Hello friends and family!
No one fights alone! You have all been so supportive of my Cancer journey! Will you join me in the fight against Breast Cancer? With this fundraiser, we all have an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. This June, I will be joining other Breast Cancer survivors pushing ourselves and our limitations to hike Hyndman Peak and being thankful of what our bodies can do, even after what we've been through in our Cancer journey! Hyndman Peak is the 9th highest peak in Idaho and we will hike 12-miles with 4,809 feet of climbing!
Thank you so much for supporting me and Expedition Inspiration in our quest to raise money for breast cancer research and finding a cure. I am joining in the fight against this disease that has taken too many mothers and grandmothers, aunts and cousins, sisters and daughters. Your donation today helps me reach my climb goal of $1,500 and Expedition Inspiration's climb goal of $30,000!
Since 1995, Expedition Inspiration has funded over $1,830,225 in research grants. The money we raise goes directly into the hands of those working to find a cure. Expedition Inspiration will be selecting their 2025 Young Investigator this summer. The money raised supports young scientists striving to find a cure for breast cancer.
My cancer journey: As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on May 6th, 2022. I had a lumpectomy surgery on June 17th and it was found to be worse than initially expected. It was diagnosed as extensive ductal carcinoma in SITU cribriform type with necrosis and calcifications nuclear grade 2, (meaning that it had spread past the duct) but they also removed my sentinal lymph node and thankfully that was clear so it hadn't spread to my lymph nodes. After recovering from the surgery, hubby took me on a short vacation to San Francisco for my birthday and then we drove all the way back to Idaho for me to start radiation therapy on August 2nd. 30 rounds of radiation were pretty intense and reminded me of when my father had battled Cancer and I drove him every single day to his radiation treatments and took care of him after his Chemo. My body burned and rashed and peeled. On the days that I worked out, I handled the treatments pretty well, but the two days that I didn't work out, I felt like a truck hit me, but I finished strong on September 14th and rang the bell showing that I was now Cancer free. On October 1st I started the Anastrazole pill and I will be on this cancer blocker for at least 5 years and bone density infusions every 6 months. My Onocology team at St. Luke's is taking very good care of me through this journey. And when I've been scared or overwhelmed, my friends and family have lifted me up in prayer and reminded me that I am not fighting this Cancer alone!
I appreciate your love, support, and enthusiasm as I work hard to get to the summit of Hydman Peak.
Thank you again for your support and encouragement!
Cristin Sohm (Pinkie)
Expedition Inspiration's 2025 Climb for a Cure
Expedition Inspiration's 2025 Climb for a Cure -- Hyndman Peak
"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.
Since 1995, we have funded over $1,830,225 in research grants. Our mountain climbs are branded: Climb for a Cure. Each survivor/climber peer-to-peer fundraises and those monies directly support our Young Investigator Award program, which we will be funding a new YIA this summer! Marrying mountain climbing and breast cancer research was our founder's vision. Nearly 30 years later, her legacy is a visible tribute to bringing hope, healing, and inspiration to those affected by this disease.
Until there's a CURE, there's a CLIMB!
Sisterhood of the Climb Video
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.