Climb Against the Odds: Team of Breast Cancer Survivors and Supporters Attempt to Summit Mt. Shasta for Prevention Efforts

Breast Cancer Fund
Thursday, 1 May 2003

49-person Team Tackles Mt. Shasta in July 2003 to Raise Funding and Awareness of the Environmental Links of Breast Cancer

In July 2003, a team of 49 breast cancer survivors and those who have been touched by the disease will participate in Climb Against the Odds ~ Mt. Shasta, the fourth major mountain climbing expedition hosted by The Breast Cancer Fund. This inspirational team will strive to raise $500,000 for breast cancer prevention initiatives, will work tirelessly to increase awareness of the harmful health effects caused by environmental toxins, and most importantly, will express the strength and courage they've found in facing breast cancer.

The team follows in the tradition of The Breast Cancer Fund's past expeditions: Mt. Aconcagua, Argentina in 1995; Alaska's Mt. McKinley in 1998; and Mt Fuji, Japan in 2000. Each climb not only proved each climber's determination to fight breast cancer, but also brought worldwide attention to the breast cancer epidemic. Through these climbs and related projects, The Breast Cancer Fund has raised over $2 million for breast cancer research, education, support, and advocacy.

For breast cancer survivors and their supporters, this dramatic step will call attention to the ever-increasing rise in breast cancer rates: in 2002, 1 in 8 women in the US will face the disease in her lifetime, compared to 1 in 20 in the 1940's. "The Breast Cancer Fund embraces mountain climbing as a metaphor for the critical work we are doing to prevent this devastating disease," said Jeanne Rizzo, The Breast Cancer Fund's Director. "We climb like we face cancer -- one step at a time, celebrating our courage and our strength."

In response to the public health crisis of breast cancer, The Breast Cancer Fund identifies -- and advocates for elimination of -- the environmental and other preventable causes of the disease. Founded in 1992, TBCF works from the knowledge that breast cancer is not simply a personal tragedy, but a public health priority that demands action from all.

The Breast Cancer Fund is proud to announce the following Summit Sponsors of our climb: Clif Bar Inc., Maker of the Luna Nutrition Bar for Women, Leki, ISIS, Dana Designs, Montrail, and Real Sports.

For more information, or to contact Breast Cancer Fund, see their website at: www.breastcancerfund.org