Baker, Adams, Rainier climbs support breast cancer research; meeting set Thursday, Feb. 22

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Participants in the 1999 Climb to Fight Breast Cancer exult at the summit of Mt. Baker. For more information about participating in th 2001 climbs, call Tori Griffith, Ext. 5096. Photo courtesy of Kelly Scholl

Spring is just around the corner, and thoughts turn to - what else? - mountain climbing, of course!

Three mountains await climbers who want to support the Hutch's breast cancer research: Baker, at 10,781 feet; Adams, at 12,276 feet, and Rainier at 14,111 feet. They're all part of Climb to Fight Breast Cancer events this year.

Each offers unique challenges, saidTori Griffith, associate director of special events, so beginners and seasoned climbers alike can find a climb that fits his or her goals.

Camari Ferguson, a research technician in the Nelson laboratory and a participant in many survivors' climbs and fund-raising events, has a personal reason to be involved. A breast-cancer survivor, Ferguson has found treatment and climbing symbolically similar.

"Each experience brought with it fear of the unknown, considerable physical demands, and an uncertainty about the outcome," she said.

"With self-determination and the outstanding support from a team of family and friends, I was able to confront and overcome the challenges presented in both cases.

"I was fortunate that my cancer was caught early and treated successfully, giving me the opportunity to go on and tackle mountains. Not all breast cancer patients are so lucky.

"Without research into new ways of detecting breast cancer earlier and discovering new targets for therapies, breast cancer will continue to be the final challenge for many."

To become a member of a Climb to Fight Breast Cancer team, you can attend an informational meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, February 22 in Pelton Auditorium on the Day Campus.

Hutch research nurse Joelle Machia will speak on the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial.

The goal of Climb to Fight Breast Cancer is to raise $100,000 in 2001. Sponsors are 710 KIRO News Radio, Alaska Airlines, Alpine Ascents International, Pure Image, Featured Friends and Marmot Mountain Works.

For more information, call Tori Griffith at Ext. 5096.

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