2024 Recap

The 2024 Climb took us to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where nearly 100 participants joined us for a memorable hiking experience through the scenic Great Smoky Mountains. Climbers also faced a global travel crisis due to the Crowdstrike incident – an added obstacle we did not anticipate – but they faced it relentlessly and found their way to the Smokies!

REI Co-op provided professional guides to take us on three unique trails. From a brisk 5 miles on the Little River trail, to a more rigorous 8-mile trek to Ramsey Cascades, and finally a strenuous 14 miles on the very difficult Mt. LeConte Loop, participants got the challenge they sought! Climbers braved a torrential downpour in the name of colorectal cancer awareness – with smiles on their faces (most of the time, at least!) – and raised $105,000!

2024 Recap

The 2024 Climb took us to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where nearly 100 participants joined us for a memorable hiking experience through the scenic Great Smoky Mountains. Climbers also faced a global travel crisis due to the Crowdstrike incident – an added obstacle we did not anticipate – but they faced it relentlessly and found their way to the Smokies!

REI Co-op provided professional guides to take us on three unique trails. From a brisk 5 miles on the Little River trail, to a more rigorous 8-mile trek to Ramsey Cascades, and finally a strenuous 14 miles on the very difficult Mt. LeConte Loop, participants got the challenge they sought! Climbers braved a torrential downpour in the name of colorectal cancer awareness – with smiles on their faces (most of the time, at least!) – and raised $105,000!

The Impact of Climb for a Cure

Colorectal Cancer is the No.1 cancer killer for men under 50, and #2 cancer killer for women under 50. [H3]

At Fight CRC, we recognize the urgent need for innovative research and support for those affected by colorectal cancer. With more and more young people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Fight CRC invested $50,000 in convening an international research symposium on early-age onset colorectal cancer.

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.

The Impact of Climb for a Cure

Colorectal Cancer is the No.1 cancer killer for men under 50, and #2 cancer killer for women under 50. [H3]

At Fight CRC, we recognize the urgent need for innovative research and support for those affected by colorectal cancer. With more and more young people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Fight CRC invested $50,000 in convening an international research symposium on early-age onset colorectal cancer.

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.

Why Climb?

Why Climb?

Community Voices
"I fight for my wife and daughter so no other two year old has to lose a parent to this preventable disease." - Jen French (@frenchie_jen), 2025 Ambassador Kirsten French, Jen's wife, was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in April 2021. The same day Jen found out she was pregnant. Kirsten passed away in December 2023. #ColorectalCancer steals precious time from families, time that should be filled with joy, not fear. Join the fight to help give families more time.
The Senate is currently deciding whether to pass a version of the government funding bill that would cut funding for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) in the Department of Defense by over 50%. CDMRP supports critical colorectal cancer research, and this funding cut would be devastating for colorectal cancer patients, caregivers, loved ones and researchers. Take Action in the link in our bio and reach out to your Senators on social media to urge them not to cut this critical medical research in their funding bill.
Screening saves lives. Start at 45. #ColorectalCancer is rising in younger adults. That's why average-risk adults should start screening at 45. Don't wait! If you have a higher risk, like a family history or genetic syndrome, or signs and symptoms talk to your doctor about screening even earlier! Not sure about your risk level? Take our screening quiz to find out what's right for you: link in bio! . . . #ColonCancer #RectalCancer #PrioritizeCRC #FightCRC #Relentless #Champions
Advocacy is standing up for what matters—for the future of cancer research, for those who can’t fight for themselves, and for the hope of a cure. The House passed a bill last night that cuts funding for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) by more than 50%. This funding is critical for colorectal cancer research, and this cut will set us back, limit treatment options, and delay progress. The Senate is voting soon. Now is the time to act‼️ Urge your Senators to protect cancer research using the link in bio.
Meet Aubree. When she was in sixth grade, her mom was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. Now 17, she isn’t just fighting for her family’s future—she’s fighting for others in her community, carrying their stories with her. Yesterday, she met with members of Congress, urging them to protect cancer research funding. The House of Representatives just passed a government funding bill that would slash the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) by over 50%—a devastating blow to colorectal cancer research. This cut would set progress back by years, impacting countless lives. Now, the Senate must decide whether to keep these cuts or protect critical medical research. They’re expected to vote in the next few days. Join Aubree in the fight—contact your Senators now and tell them to stand up for cancer research! #PrioritizeCRC #CancerResearch #FundingBill
The House of Representatives just passed a government funding bill that would cut funding for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) in the Department of Defense by over 50%. Now the Senate has to decide whether to pass this version of the bill or to change the funding bill. This funding cut will set cancer research back by years. ‼️TAKE ACTION NOW ‼️ Link in bio! #ResearchCuts #CancerResearch #coloncancer #colorectalcancer #rectalcancer #prioritizecrc
Cancer doesn’t wait—neither should we. Recent policy shifts threaten to stall cancer research, disrupt clinical trials, and limit access to lifesaving care. Patients are scared. Researchers are scrambling. And the progress we’ve made over the past two decades is at risk. This isn’t about politics—it’s about saving lives. Congress must step up to protect cancer funding, research, and equitable access to care. Tell your members of Congress to protect cancer research by using the link in bio.
Advocates from across the country have gathered on the steps of the nation’s capitol to make their voices heard‼️ We’re calling on Congress to #PrioritizeCRC and take action. Together, we’re fighting to save lives. Join us by taking action from home! Link in bio.💙 Big thanks to @exactsciences for supporting the fight against #ColorectalCancer!