Howdy!
Here are the details on how Expedition Inspiration uses the funds raised:
Since 1995, Expedition Inspiration has funded over $1.75 million in research grants and over $1 million towards education and outreach. For 20 years, Expedition Inspiration has hosted the Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium and the associated Keeping Abreast Open Forum at the Sun Valley Resort. This invitation-only gathering provides nationally recognized interdisciplinary scientists a setting to share their ideas and data, achieving a synergy unmatched in traditional breast cancer research. The attendees have intense working sessions to share unpublished information, analyze breakthroughs, discuss advances in treatment, and recognize hurdles to finding a cure. After the Symposium, attendees continue to pool information and develop new cross-country clinical trials. The unique gathering of basic, clinical and translational professionals sharing unpublished, collaborative research has resulted in better science, new collaborations, and new treatment protocols in the field of breast cancer research.
In alternating years, Expedition Inspiration funds a Young Investigator Award. Since its inception, Expedition Inspiration has established itself as a contributing force in the mission to raise money for cutting-edge research to fight breast cancer. The 2019 recipient of the Dr. Brenda Williams Young Investigator Award is Dr. Tarah Ballinger from Indiana University for her visionary and innovative breast cancer research. The Young Investigator Awards are in memory of beloved friend and physician Dr. Brenda Williams whose vibrancy lives on through the promising work carried out by such hopeful scientists. Dr. Ballinger received her BS in Biochemistry and Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame and her MD from Indiana University. She attended Vanderbilt University for an internal medicine residency and completed her oncology fellowship at Indiana University in 2017. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Indiana University and is the Sheila D. Ward Scholar in Oncology. Her clinical practice with the IU Simon Cancer Center focuses on breast oncology and breast cancer prevention in high-risk populations. Her research aims to understand how body composition, muscle function, and physical activity affect patients across the cancer continuum, from prevention to late stage disease.
Again, thanks for your support and encouragement!
H.
Expedition Inspiration's 2019 Climb for a Cure
Expedition Inspiration's 2019 Climb for a Cure -- Grand Teton
"Climbing, in many respects, is not unlike facing a life-threatening illness. You take every step alone, digging deep, focused on the goal and your own inner strength."
- LAURA EVANS, Expedition Inspiration Founder
Join Expedition Inspiration for a day of adventure, fun, hope and inspiration as we CLIMB to raise funds for breast cancer research and finding a CURE.
Our annual mountain climbs are foundational to the work we do in raising money for breast cancer research, as well as carrying on our founder’s, Laura Evans, vision. Our outdoor adventures provide so much more than survivorship – we provide those touched by breast cancer an opportunity to experience and enjoy the gifts provided by the mountains while building new relationships with likeminded people who support them in their own journey with the disease. We are not only raising spirits and hope, but we are raising critical funds for research.
One of the most recognizable mountains in the country, the Grand Teton has drawn visitors to the area as long as history has been recorded. A landmark for native Americans and the first European explorers, the mystique has always been captivating. Even the rights to the first ascent remains in dispute. A crucible of American alpinism, the the climbers who honed their craft here in the golden age went on to pioneer the big walls of Yosemite, Patagonian spires and the Himalaya. Become part of it’s history by standing on top and join us for an amazing summit and a greater appreciation for the remarkable alpine environment only the Tetons can deliver.
The funds raised by the climbers will support the Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium, an invitation-only conference that brings renowned scientists, researchers and physicians from around the world to share unpublished information, analyze breakthroughs, discuss advances in treatment, and recognize hurdles to finding cures.
Until there's a CURE, there's a CLIMB!
Expedition Inspiration Film Trailer
Breast cancer survivor and mountain climber Laura Evans founded the Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research in 1995 in Ketchum, Idaho. Expedition Inspiration's mission is to raise awareness and money to benefit innovative breast cancer research, public education and patient support. Additionally, through organized and sponsored outdoor endeavors like mountain climbs and hikes, we promote the physical and mental wellbeing of breast cancer survivors. Today breast cancer affects one in every eight American women -- mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. It is the leading cause of death for women 35-54, and 80% of women with breast cancer have no known risk factors for the disease. There is still no cure, and thus, a need continues for research support, collaboration and funding.