Dear Friends & Family,
Thirty-six years ago, a routine mammogram saved my life.
This September, I’m climbing a mountain to help save someone else’s.
But in many ways, my story began years before that.
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 56 years old. Watching her go through surgery and treatment left a lasting impression on me. Not long afterward, I discovered a lump of my own.
Thankfully, my first lumpectomy was benign.
Even though it wasn’t cancer, the fear was very real. Because of my family history, I promised myself I would never miss my annual mammogram.
That promise saved my life.
In November 1994, after one of those yearly mammograms, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I was only 42 years old.
Over the next six years, breast cancer became an unexpected part of my life.
What began with one diagnosis turned into a chapter I never could have imagined. I underwent eight lumpectomies, endured two separate seven-week courses of daily radiation treatments, and faced three separate breast cancer diagnoses.
Each new diagnosis brought fear and uncertainty—but also gratitude. Because I never skipped my annual mammograms and my doctors monitored me closely, the cancer was found early each time.
Early detection saved my life.
By 2000, after years of surgeries and treatments, I made the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy. Eight years later, in 2008, I completed my breast reconstruction—a milestone I hoped would close this chapter of my life.
Then, this summer, more than 25 years after my original treatments, I underwent another major reconstructive surgery. Because of the damage caused by radiation decades earlier, the operation lasted more than seven hours and proved to be one of the most physically challenging surgeries I’ve ever faced.
As I recovered, I realized something:
For more than three decades, breast cancer had been the mountain I never wanted to climb.
Now, I have the opportunity to climb one by choice.
This September, I will join an extraordinary group of breast cancer survivors through Expedition Inspiration as we hike to the summit of Galena Peak—more than 11,000 feet above sea level here in Idaho.
I’m climbing for my mom.
I’m climbing for my sisters and friends.
I’m climbing for every daughter who still has her whole life ahead of her.
I’m climbing for every family waiting for better answers.
I’m climbing for every woman who has ever heard the words:
“You have breast cancer.”
And maybe…
I’m climbing for someone you love.
My personal goal is to raise $5,000 to support breast cancer research and survivorship programs.
Will you climb this mountain with me?
While I’ll be taking the physical steps up Galena Peak, your donation will help move us one step closer to better treatments, earlier detection—and ultimately, a cure.
No gift is too small. Every step and every dollar matter.
[DONATE / CLIMB WITH ME]
Thirty-six years ago, a mammogram gave me more time.
This September, every step I take up Galena Peak is my way of giving something back.
Thank you for walking beside me throughout every chapter of my story. Your love, friendship, encouragement, and support have carried me farther than you’ll ever know.
Now, I hope you’ll climb this mountain with me.
With love and gratitude,
Pamela Ridgway
36 Years Later… I’m Still Climbing.
One Mountain. One Mission. One Step Closer to a Cure.