The second annual HERA Climb for Life Colorado Celebration kicks off this weekend, combing a passion of Carbondale's Sean Patrick - rock climbing - and a cause she is personally invested in - ovarian cancer research. Patrick isn't sure if she is going to be joining the group of six climbing neophytes trying to tackle a Flatiron, or the larger contingency of people cragging in Boulder Canyon.
But this isn't a choice Patrick should have to make. Just like she should have never founded The HERA Foundation.
That's because Sean Patrick should have died in 2000. Just before heading out to Yosemite for a climbing trip with some friends that year, she wound up taking a different voyage - this one on a Flight For Life helicopter to Denver. She was given an ultimatum: 4 weeks to live or surgery which had a 20% survival rate. She chose that latter.
She has undergone seven surgeries to date, participated in a couple of clinical trials and no, her ovarian cancer is not in remission - it never will be. She has come to terms with it in a healthy manner. "I am OK with saying you can own a piece of real estate. Just no expanding to beach-front property."
HERA Board Member and cancer researcher at National Jewish Dr. Jill Slansky Photo by: Ben Moon
In 2002, Patrick began HERA Climb4Life. The organization has two purposes: fund-raising for cancer research - $750k in six years to date, and to empower women battling the disease.
On June 14th, Climb4Life will be taken a small group of ovarian cancer survivors, plucking them out of their comfort zone and placing them on the summit of the First Flatiron. Also a larger more diverse of group will be cragging in Boulder Canyon, celebrating life, something many didn't believe they would be able to do after their first diagnosis.
"Especially for somebody dealing with cancer thinking they can't try something new," Patrick said. "This inspires them to look at their life differently."
Patrick said it is a pretty transformative experience. Many of the participants have never rock climbed before the weekend. The group will be paired off with seasoned climbing veterans and Patrick jokes, even cancer survivors in Colorado are comprised of a tougher mettle.
Photo by: Sean Patrick
"Most people in Colorado, even if you have had cancer, we are in pretty good shape," Patrick said. "We're pretty active people." There are close to 100 people signed up for the weekend and Patrick said the organization hopes to raise between $20-25,000. The amount HERA has been able to raise to date still amazes Patrick. The money has gone on to fund 18 research projects and 20 community grants. "This is all done by the climbing community and the outdoor industry," she said. "I just asked people to help and it's become so easy. If people can give up a week of lattes, then it is now sweat. It is all about prioritizing your dollar."
If you want to learn more about the Climb For Life Celebration or the HERA Foundation or wish to make a donation, visit www.herafoundation.org