The 11th Annual HERA Climb4Life ropes up and clips into the Wasatch Mountains as women and men will come together to rock climb and fight against ovarian cancer. This year’s event happens on September 14th through the 16th, and most proceeds collected will be donated to cancer research.
For the last 10 years, this fundraising event to benefit the HERA Foundation, brings men, women and children of all abilities together for some climbing and hiking in the Wasatch Mountains while raising funds for ovarian cancer research and awareness. Whether you’re a courageous cancer survivor, a person who’s been affected by cancer or just an energetic soul who wants to help the cause, organizers say you’ll be at home as part of the Climb4Life Utah family.
According to Climb4Life, the event started in 2001 when HERA Founder, Sean Patrick, was recovering from her seventh ovarian cancer surgery. She felt a rock climbing event would put a different face on ovarian cancer and get people involved in the cause. Realizing The Climb4Life would raise awareness in women who are healthy and active, Patrick saw greater potential: the event would enable women to be introduced to the sport of climbing, and its physical and mental benefits.
Climb4Life 2012 is being hosted by Black Diamond, and the event starts there. Over the course of the weekend, there will be parties, food and drink, rock climbing, hiking, yoga, massages, presentations, films, and an awards ceremony. All rock climbing trips will be led by Utah Mountain Adventures, and hikes are guided by SPLORE. These professional guides will keep things safe and enable participants to overcome their fears and find strength in themselves to make it to the top, regardless of their personal challenges.
The entry fee is $75 – a little steep, but you have to remember where the money is going. Awareness of ovarian cancer is vital to combating the disease and finding a cure. Funds collected will also go to help women and their families who’s lives have been affected by cancer. In addition, participants are encouraged to fundraise and bring even more money to the cause. Spread the word to friends, family and Facebook connections encouraging them to sponsor you or make a donation. Plus, people who raise a lot of money will get some pretty sweet gear and swag bags!
Below is a schedule of events from the Climb4Life website.
Friday 9/14
6:00-8:30 pm — Join us at Cafe Trio (6405 S. 3000 East) for registration, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and great company.
Saturday 9/15
8:00-10:00 am — Late check-in/registration at Black Diamond. Coffee, tea and light breakfast available.
Saturday 9/15:
9:00 am — Meet your group and guide at Black Diamond to climb, hike or shoot photos.
9:30 am-3:00 pm — Climb, hike or shoot in the majestic Wasatch mountains
1:00-5:00 pm — Family Half-Day Climb and Kids Indoor Climbing at Rockreation
6:00-9:30 pm — Rockin’ Party at Black Diamond! Dinner, dancing, giveaways and music!
Sunday 9/16:
8:00-10:00 am — Late check-in/registration at Black Diamond. Coffee,tea and light breakfast available.
9:00 am — Meet your group and guide at Black Diamond to climb, hike or shoot photos.
9:30 am-3:00 pm — Climb, hike or shoot photos in the majestic Wasatch mountains
3:00-5:00 pm — Happy Hour downtime: Snacks, beer and giveaways!
For more information, or to register, visit HERA Climb4Life online.