Friday, September 14, 2007

Climbers summit for a cause

Expedition Inspiration conquers peak to raise money for cancer research

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

Expedition Inspiration Board member Nancy Knoble and Don Harker fly a Tribute Flag from summit of Castle Peak, honoring those who have battled cancer.Photo by Joshua Wells

Two teams of hardy adventurers last month summited Castle Peak, at 11,815 feet the highest in Idaho's remote White Cloud Range. The teams participated in the annual Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research fundraising climb Aug. 17 to 19.

The climb was the fourth annual in the Expedition Inspiration's "Five Peaks in Five Years" campaign.

The teams, which included climbers from eight states, were breast cancer survivors, friends and family of those still fighting the battle. As well, Expedition Inspiration Board members Heidi Mickelson, Stephanie Olson, and Nancy Knoble participated, along with the organization's Medical Advisory Board member Dr. Kathleen Grant, of San Francisco, and Advisory Board Member Courtney Kapp of Philadelphia.

Upon reaching the summit, climbers unveiled special tribute flags that were then flown in honor of cancer victims everywhere. The teams raised more than $70,000 to help support cutting-edge breast cancer research projects that Expedition Inspiration helps to fund.

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Joshua Wells of Ketchum climbed along to serve as the photographer and Matt Leidecker of Sawtooth Mountain Guides led the teams to the summit of the rugged mountain. The climbers were hosted by Pioneer Outfitters at the Chamberlain Basin Camp on the eve of the climb and the annual celebration dinner was hosted by The Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch.

The Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by breast cancer survivor and climber Laura Evans to raise awareness and research funds for the cause, as well as to educate and support those affected by the disease.

In 2008, Expedition Inspiration will lead a team of climbers up Mt. Borah, at 12,668 feet the highest point in Idaho.