Climb for a Cure 2021

Thank you to everyone who joined the 2021 Climb for a Cure from across the country!

This is Our Why.

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.

Let's Connect

We want to hear from you! If you’re interested in learning more about Climb for a Cure send us a message. Our Volunteer and Events Manager will reach out to you. We are always looking for volunteers - lead your own climb, or help us connect you with some local climbers in your area.

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2021 Climb for a Cure Impact

As a community, we executed lifesaving awareness to help create a better future by Climbing together. 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.

We’ve raised over $195,000 (and counting!) this year, and over $800,000 from Climb for a Cure since 2016! The funds raised help support Fight CRC’s research programs by directly funding cutting-edge CRC research. Thank you for believing in our mission and fighting with us!

Read the full report

About Climb for a Cure

Each step, drop of sweat, and achy muscle will help fuel cutting-edge research, lifesaving awareness, and relentless advocacy. For many, colorectal cancer is the biggest mountain they will ever face. Fight alongside them by offering hope and inspiration as you climb.

“This climb was a personal best for me. To be part of such a large group, to receive encouragement and camaraderie, it was wonderful. They pushed me further than I would have gone on my own. I am afraid of heights and this climb helped me!”
JULIE KRAUSS – STAGE IV SURVIVOR

Chris Ganser Climb for a Cure Scholarship

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 in Lake Tahoe, and honors the late Chris Ganser, a colorectal cancer fighter and co-founder of the Climb.

Meet the 2021 Climb for a Cure Scholarship Recipients:

Christina Haywood - Stage III Rectal Cancer Survivor

Imagine going from not being able to walk around the block to a 12-mile climb! I am so incredibly honored to demonstrate to other young survivors that a complete recovery of everything we have lost is within reach!"

Mike Mancini - Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor

"To be a stage IV survivor who is on chemo for life, and to be able to persevere through the challenges that come with hiking up a mountain, it really makes me feel alive, inspired, accomplished, and for a brief time...invincible."

donate to the scholarship fund

History of the Climb

Two of the three founders of the Climb; Chris Ganser (middle) and Brian Threlkheld (right)

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.