PORT ANGELES — Survivor’s Outdoor Experience (SOE) will hold the first Climbing for a Reason fundraising ascent of Mount Olympus from Aug. 22-26.
The climb of the peak serves as a metaphor for those making the transition from patient to survivor after a cancer diagnosis.
SOE programs support cancer survivors by providing informative presentations and recreational activities that encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.
The participants will be raising money for future programming during the climb.
The fundraising event will team up eight climbers in support of SOE programming.
SOE is partnering with Pacific Alpine Guides, based in Port Angeles.
Owners Tyler Reid and Katy Laveck will guide the group.
SOE Executive Director Jack Ganster is an eight-year brain cancer survivor.
A Port Townsend native, Reid has been hiking in the Olympics since childhood and backcountry skiing since his early teens.
“This challenging event shows the upper edge of our outings. Our goal is to offer several levels of hikes, with ratings from one to five. This is definitely our level five,” said Ganster.
In addition to Climbing for a Reason, SOE supporters also have participated in Running for a Reason and Hiking for a Reason challenges.
“It means so much to our organization that others take on these challenges for SOE — it symbolizes the challenges that survivors face every day,” said Ganster.
To contribute to a climbers’ fund or for more information, phone Ganster at 360-477-1619 or visit http://tinyurl.com/brjalpx.
