Climb for a Cure

We executed lifesaving awareness to help create a better future by Climbing together as a community. Every year that we fight relentlessly, we get closer to our goal of helping find a cure for colorectal cancer (CRC). We want you to know the impact that your efforts have made.

The Climb has helped us reach our goals as a community and impacts the lives of so many. Your stories are at the heart of why we climb and we are so encouraged by you. 

For many, colorectal cancer is the biggest mountain they will ever face. Climb for a Cure is an opportunity to heal and fight alongside a community of champions.

Every year, relentless champions join together to Climb for a Cure in honor or memory of loved ones who have battled colorectal cancer. Climb for a Cure raises funds to support our Path to a Cure for colorectal cancer, as we empower and inform patients while driving policy change and breakthrough research.

Be a part of our community of relentless champions, climbing together to end colorectal cancer.

“My daughters and I Climb for my husband who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer four years ago this month. We know that funding is what propels research, so we want to do our part so families don’t ever have to go through what ours has been through.”

- THERESA MASCHKE - CAREGIVER

The Chris Ganser Climb for a Cure Scholarship is a unique opportunity for two colorectal cancer survivors to attend our Climb for a Cure event, and honors the late Chris Ganser, a colorectal cancer fighter and co-founder of the Climb.

The 2022 Ganser Scholarship application is now closed.

Meet the 2022 Climb for a Cure Scholarship Recipients

"I like to raise awareness for colon cancer. I am hiker and I love nature! I get out when I can, which is most often! Since I was diagnosed I have put my story out there and have impacted so many lives! I want to keep doing that!! It also helps to be around like minded people."

— Dana Lee, Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor

"I am now moving on to thriver/survivor/advocate status. I have always enjoyed the outdoors and exercising whether it be cycling, running, or hiking. The year during my treatment limited my ability with these types of activities. As I have gained more strength and began enjoying these activities again, the thought of being able to hike Mount Mitchell here in my home state of NC sounds awesome. Additionally, it is important to me to be able to carry on Chris Ganser's dream of promoting health and wellness within the colorectal cancer community and building hope and encouragement among the fighters and survivors touched by this disease. The comeback is stronger than the setback!"

— Ray Wilson, Stage III Colon Cancer Survivor

“When my wife Sarah was diagnosed in May 2021 with stage IV colon cancer, our life plans were quickly changed. She has endured so much this past year and completed each step with a smile. I’m climbing Mt. Mitchell, with her and for her. I want her to know she will never be alone on this cancer journey.” 

— Todd Broadus, Caregiver

In 2016, 19 people came together to ascend Longs Peak near Denver, Colorado, for the first Climb for a Cure. Led by visionaries and longtime advocates - Chad Schrack, Brian Threlkeld and Chris Ganser - the three friends saw the literal climb as a way to inspire those facing the proverbial mountain of cancer. For five years, the event has continued to grow.

In 2020, COVID-19 threatened the Climb, but our relentless champions didn’t stop. Taking the Climb virtual, more than 900 advocates came together to get moving and push themselves. From all over the country, climbers came together to take more than 1 million steps for the 1 million colorectal cancer survivors, and they added to the collective total of $447,000 raised through the Climb. 

The 2021 event took us even closer to our goal of raising funds for cutting-edge research and encouraging advocates to join us on the path to a cure.