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.
Climb for a Cure 2026 has officially wrapped! Thank you to every climber, donor, volunteer, and supporter who made this year unforgettable. Whether you summited Humphreys Peak, scaled Mount Elden’s Lookout Trail, hiked the Shelving Rock Area of Lake George, or climbed your way from wherever you are, you helped push the fight against colorectal cancer to new heights.
Want to join us in 2027? Email fundraising@fightcrc.org to join our interest list and keep an eye out for more details coming soon.
Want to support Fight CRC before the Climb? Donate here
2026 Climb for a Cure Recap
National Climb: July 17-18 | Flagstaff, AZ
Regional Climb: August 1 | Lake George, NY
National Virtual Climb Day: July 18 | Climb From Anywhere
The 11th annual Climb for a Cure was one for the books! This year, our community showed up and showed out, proving once again that no one climbs alone. Over 150 climbers joined us in person across Flagstaff, AZ and Lake George, NY, while more than 70 Climb Your Way climbs took place across the country. Together, we raised over $108,000 for lifesaving colorectal cancer research and patient support programs.
From the summit of Humphreys Peak and the Mount Elden Lookout Trail to the waterfall views of Shelving Rock, and every staircase, hill, gym, and neighborhood in between, our climbers pushed themselves to new heights in support of More Time for the colorectal cancer community.
Thank you! To our sponsors, planning committee, volunteers, climbers, donors, and every supporter who cheered us on: this event would not be possible without you. Your dedication fuels the fight against colorectal cancer.
Want to join us in 2027? Email fundraising@fightcrc.org to join our interest list and keep an eye out for more details coming soon.
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.
Applications are now closed.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
We are excited to announce the 2026 Chris Ganser scholarship recipients! 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. Join us in congratulating Beth Nash, Brad Franzen, and Amanda Hazard!
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.