At Fight CRC, we’re genuinely focused on our community of patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates. Exercise and physical activity are proven to improve physical and mental health, as well as provide positive health outcomes. 

We also know that broader access to healthcare results in lower incidence and mortality rates. 

Exercise And Colorectal Cancer

But what if you experience barriers to access the opportunities that lead to better outcomes?

In addition to the creation of our Health Equity Committee to address the health and screening barriers BIPOC and low-income people face, Fight CRC is also committed to decreasing barriers and increasing participation in Climb for a Cure, our annual fundraising event dedicated to getting people active.

Brian Threlkeld, stage I survivor and co-founder of the Climb, said this about his experience as a lifelong outdoorsman:

“As someone who has been engaging in outdoor activities the majority of my life, I understand that my privilege has made my involvement in these pursuits easier. I had access to gear, I had access to mentors and I never had anyone look at me on a mountain in a way that made me feel out of place or like I didn’t belong. As a cancer survivor, I had insurance, I had a primary care doctor who listened to me, I had a job that gave me the time off I needed for surgery and recovery, and I had a team of health specialists committed to my care. I am privileged and I am lucky.”

What are we doing to address the disparities we see in the Climb?

• We’re acknowledging that there's a lack of diversity. It’s easy to see when we look back through photos over the years and don’t see many People of Color with us in the mountains.

• We’re providing opportunities for people to get involved in the Climb where they are and how they want. We have volunteers hosting Community Climbs around the country this year so people don’t have to buy plane tickets or book hotel rooms just to participate. You can also create your own Climb for free to get active with family and friends while staying close to home.

• We’re sharing information about how to train for outdoor activity, how to find the right gear, and how to do all of this affordably and easily.

• We’re hoping to partner with organizations that are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors. Our Fight CRC community is diverse, but it’s hard to see yourself engaging in the outdoors if you don’t see anyone that looks like you doing what you want to be doing.

We’re constantly trying to listen, learn, understand, and improve. If you have questions, comments, or ideas on how to make the Climb better for everyone, don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

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Climb for a Cure 2020 was a HUGE success! We’re looking forward to making an even bigger impact and getting more champions involved in 2021.