Local mountaineers embark on a first-ever expedition to an unclimbed mountain in the name of cancer research
Two area mountain guides will work with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center on the Big Expedition for Cancer Research to tackle a never-before-climbed mountain in Alaska
SEATTLE — Dec. 7, 2007 — Local mountain guides Matt Farmer and Dawn Glanc will be two of four professional mountaineers to embark on Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's Big Expedition for Cancer Research. This unique quest marks the first time that a group of expert mountaineers and a cancer research center have mounted an expedition to an unclimbed mountain in the name of cancer research.
"Tackling an unclimbed mountain is analogous to the research efforts in seeking a cure for cancer - the route is often unknown and there are setbacks, but achieving the goal is paramount," said Lee Hartwell, Ph.D., president and director of the Hutchinson Center. "Farmer and Glanc, along with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, have undertaken this expedition to an unclimbed mountain to symbolize the enormity of the task ahead."
Farmer and Glanc, both 32, were selected for their past experience. Farmer, a Seattle resident with roots in Washington, DC, has a solid background in all disciplines of climbing, specializing in long alpine rock and ice climbs, as well as ski-mountaineering. Level III avalanche certification and medical training, including EMT and OEC certifications, compliment Farmer's diverse skills as a climber and guide.
Glanc, a native of Cleveland now living in Bellingham, WA, has a Bachelor's degree in Outdoor Recreation from Black Hills State University and has climbed and guided 200 days a year for the past two years. She has led three Denali Expeditions and climbed in the Northern Cascades, Eastern Sierras, Red Rock Canyon, Joshua Tree, Ouray Colorado, Alaska and Canada. Most recently she won second place in the women's division of the Ouray Ice Festival.
"Matt Farmer and Dawn Glanc were hand picked for this expedition because of their passion and experience in climbing," said Hartwell. "They are talented and goal oriented mountaineers who reflect the bold, innovative nature of the researchers at the Hutchinson Center."
The inaugural Big Expedition for Cancer Research will take place next June in Alaska. The specific location of the mountain, chosen by the team members and the Expedition's Mountaineering Advisory Committee, will be announced this winter.
Washington residents will be able to follow Farmer and Glanc step-by-step during the planning stages and then through the expedition itself on the Big Expedition for Cancer Research Website. It is hoped that those following the expedition will gain an appreciation for the parallels with the ground-breaking research being conducted at the Hutchinson Center, which will also be noted on the site.
Media Contacts
Kristen Woodard
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
(206) 667-5095
kwoodwar@fhcrc.org
Dan McConnell
SVP/Managing Director
DDB Public Relations
(206) 223-6466
dan.mcconnell@sea.ddb.com
# # #
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, our interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists and humanitarians work together to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Our researchers, including three Nobel laureates, bring a relentless pursuit and passion for health, knowledge and hope to their work and to the world. For more information, please visit www.fhcrc.org.
1100 Fairview Ave. N. PO Box 19024 Seattle, WA 98109
©2009 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a nonprofit organization.
Terms of Use & Privacy Policy.
