Climb to Fight Breast Cancer

As the summer is rapidly approaching, I am gearing up to climb Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier is a beautifully sculpted dormant volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and glacial ice. Located south of Seattle, Washington, its peak reaches 14,411 feet into the clouds. When I first decided to embark on this adventure, I decided that I wanted a purpose for this strenuous multi-day climb, something to make this challenge worthwhile. When I first heard about the “Climb to Fight Breast Cancer,” I knew that was it.

The “Climb to Fight Breast Cancer” is close to my heart for a few reasons. As many of you know, I am currently working on my thesis for my doctorate in Molecular and Cellular Biology in Paul Lampe’s lab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. My thesis focuses on the discovery of human plasma biomarkers to aid in the early detection and effective treatment of breast cancer. While my project is far from finding a cure, the finding of these biomarkers could dramatically decrease the mortality rate associated with breast cancer and better the quality of life for breast cancer patients and their families.

As I train for the next couple of months and then in July strap on my crampons and grab my ice axe, I will be doing it in honor of my mother, Cindy Brauer, and her best friend, my Aunt Judy Connell. On a beautiful day in Seattle you can see the magnificent backdrop of Mount Rainier: a symbol of beauty, grace, and strength. Thus, it is only fitting that I dedicate my climb to two beautiful women who carry themselves with immense grace. They are both incredibly strong breast cancer survivors. My mother has been a constant model of love and perseverance in my life, always giving to others with all of her heart. So, as I climb towards the heavens, in her honor I will pray for all families that have been affected by cancer.

The “Climb to Fight Breast Cancer” is sponsored by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and is in its ninth year. The program has raised more than $1.75 million for breast cancer research at the Center. As a climber, I will be working to raise $5,000. I’d like to ask for your donation. Every little bit helps. You can donate by visiting the following site:
http://getinvolved.fhcrc.org/site/TR?px=1037181&pg=personal&fr_id=1040

If you’d like to donate via mail, please send a check made out to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to:

Heather Ann Brauer
1100 Fairview Ave. N.
Mailstop M5-C800
Seattle, WA 98112

In the end, it won’t really matter if we reach the summit of Mount Rainier this July. Either way the trip will be successful because of the money raised for breast cancer research. Together, someday, we will win this fight.

Thank you for your support,
Heather Ann Brauer