Climb for a Cure
For many, colorectal cancer is the biggest mountain they will ever face, but they’re not doing it alone. Fight CRC is here every step of the way, from diagnosis to survivorship and everything in between.
What began with just 12 participants in 2016, climbing to inspire others facing a figurative mountain and raising $500, has evolved into a flagship fundraising event for Fight CRC, raising over $1 million to date for colorectal cancer research programs.
Join us this summer to push yourself to new heights and support the fight against colorectal cancer. Climb Humphreys Peak, scale Mount Elden’s Lookout Trail, or hike the Shelving Rock Area of the Lake George, all while supporting the fight against colorectal cancer.
2026 Event Details
National Climb: July 17-18 Flagstaff, AZ
Regional Climb: August 1 Lake George, NY
Climb for a Cure pushes our community to new heights while raising vital funds and awareness toward finding a cure. Join us in Arizona or New York to climb or support the fight from home! Register to attend, participate online as a fundraiser, or support the fight with a donation.
Space is limited! Register today to secure your spot at the 11th annual Climb for a Cure.
*National Climb Registration will close on June 1 or when maximum capacity is reached, whichever is first.
Climb for a Cure Agenda's
National Climb for a Cure Lodging & Agenda: Arizona
The host hotel for the National Climb is located in Flagstaff, AZ. Please reserve your hotel room by June 15 to guarantee the rate listed below.
- Courtyard Flagstaff
- $179/night Double or King room
*Rooms are subject to availability.
Friday, July 17
Please arrive in time to drop your bags at the hotel and be at dinner by 6pm. We’ll have a program honoring our scholarship recipients and celebrating the history of the Climb and receive a safety briefing from our guides. There will be time to ask questions and review the schedule for Saturday’s Climb.
Saturday, July 18
Shuttles will take participants to and from their Climb destinations.
Sunday, July 19
Head home with priceless memories, stories of your adventure, and new friendships!
New York Regional Agenda
Saturday, August 1: Join us at the trailhead by 9 AM. Check in starts at 8 AM. Cornhole starts at 12:30 PM
Chris Ganser Climb for a Cure Scholarship
The Climb for a Cure Ganser Scholarship honors the legacy of Chris Ganser, a dedicated advocate in the colorectal cancer community and co-founder of Climb for a Cure. The 2026 scholarship application will remain open until April 12 and applicants will be notified by April 19. The scholarship is open to colorectal cancer survivors and caregivers.
Scholarship Winners
We are excited to announce the 2026 Chris Ganser scholarship recipients following April 19! This year’s class, exemplifies the spirit of community, resilience, and embracing life with courage — qualities that reflect the essence of Chris Ganser’s legacy.
The Impact of Climb for a Cure
Colorectal Cancer is the No.1 cancer killer under 50.
At Fight CRC, we recognize the urgent need for innovative research and support for those affected by colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is now the number one cancer killer of those under 50. With more and more young people being diagnosed, showing the impact of the disease on new generations, we are committed to funding research that improves treatment options, outcomes, and quality of life for patients.
One hundred percent of funds raised through Climb for a Cure support cancer research, grants, and convening leaders to support our Path to a Cure initiative.
Funded Research Projects
2022 CGA-IGC Early-Career Award: $30,000
With CGA-IGC, we awarded Dr. Yen $15,000 for familial CRC communication. His pilot increased endoscopist record updates by 30%, enhancing awareness of familial risks.
2022 CGA-IGC Early-Career Award: $30,000
The 2023 CGA-IGC and Fight CRC Early Career Award was granted to Dr. Alessandro Mannucci of the Beckman Research Institute. Dr. Mannucci’s work is dedicated to gastrointestinal cancer, with a focus on hereditary cancer syndromes and early-age onset cancers.
2024 CGA-IGC Early-Career Award: $15,000
The 2024 CGA-IGC and Fight CRC Early Career Award was granted to Dr. Trevor Barlowe. Dr. Barlowe’s project aims to fill a critical research gap by creating a validated method to identify individuals with Lynch syndrome in healthcare databases. This work will enhance population-level research and improve understanding and management of Lynch syndrome, ultimately advancing clinical care and advocacy for individuals and families affected by hereditary cancer syndromes.
2025 CGA-IGC Early-Career Award: $30,000
Coming soon! More information on Nakul Manish Shah, the 2025 CGA-IGC Early-Career Award winner.
Tempus Fellowship: $450,000
We’ve endowed $150,000 yearly in a three-year Tempus fellowship, focusing on the use of biomarker testing, AI, and genomics to advance colorectal cancer care and critical cancer research.
Early-age Onset Colorectal Cancer Research: $55,000
Fight CRC granted $55,000 to Dr. Molmenti and Heather Hampel, MS, CGC, for early-age onset colorectal cancer research. Their findings underscored the vital risks and the need for prompt screening in high-risk groups.
Driving Innovation: Strategic Research Investments
Early-age Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank: $75,000
Our 2023 initiatives were aimed at transforming the landscape of early-age onset colorectal cancer. Through our Early-age Onset Research Think Tank, we didn’t just build on past efforts, but we set ambitious goals to change the future of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
International Research Symposium: $50,000
Fight CRC invested $50,000 in convening an international research symposium on early-age onset colorectal cancer.
Path to a Cure Initiative: $75,000
We launched our Path to a Cure report – our plan for the future of colorectal cancer. $75,000 was allocated toward bringing together experts for a Think Tank discussion about treatment gaps.
Fight CRC Clinical Trial Finder: $50,000
We’ve provided $50,000 to enhance our clinical trial finder to feature MSS and MSI-High trials, specifically tailored for those battling metastatic colorectal cancer.