HERA Climb for Life

In 1997, Sean Patrick, an avid rock climber and community volunteer, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her response to the shocking news was typical for Sean: keep fighting and think positive because "life is just more fun with a good attitude."

As she soldiered ahead after her third surgery in 2001, it was only natural for Sean to dedicate her talents and efforts to the formation of the HERA Foundation. HERA, which stands for Health, Empowerment, Research, and Advocacy, raises both ovarian cancer awareness and funding for research. Recognizing the empowerment potential of her favorite sport, Sean created the organization's signature event: HERA Climb for Life.

This March, Climb for Life (C4L) returns to the Washington DC area for its 5th straight year. Having passed away in early 2009, Sean Patrick, an inspiration for so many lives affected by cancer, will still be climbing in spirit.

HERA Climb for Life at Sportrock - Courtesy Flickr user yuyax

Event Schedule

Tri-hosted by REI Fairfax, Sportrock, and Dancing Mind Yoga, the week-long 2010 schedule is chock full of clinics, celebrations, and sun salutations:

Climbing
3/13 - Basic Skills classes at either Sportrock location
3/13 - The official kick-off party with mini-clinics at REI Fairfax
3/15 - Basic Skills classes at either Sportrock location
3/20 - Climber's Festival and Awards party at Sportrock - Sterling

Yoga
3/13 - Two sessions of Vinyasa Power Flow Yoga at Dancing Mind Yoga
3/21 - Yoga Mala at Dancing Mind Yoga

Social
3/14 - The inaugural picnic (a.k.a. Chili Cook off) hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Climbers at Carderock
3/21 - Friends4Life party at Piola's Restaurant in Arlington

Climbing Wall at REI Fairfax - Courtesy Flickr user yuyax

How You Can Register

With approximately 470 participants, Climb for Life raised $60,000 for cancer in 2009. To complement the $30 entrance fee (a fantastic deal in and of itself), many climbers join teams and push hard to raise impressive sums of money.

Visit the HERA website to sign up for the DC C4L.

What It Means to the Climbing Community

Climb for Life is a unique and meaningful event for the DC climbing community. Ocean Eiler of Mid-Atlanic Climbers says it best:

"HERA Climb for Life came to be a family reunion; one stretch of early spring you look forward to, when old friends come into town, good times are shared, and money is raised. Now it's not only a reunion, but also a remembrance and celebration of Sean's life and every other individual who is fighting or has passed from the fight against cancer."

Register: Register for Climb for Life in DC
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter

Climb for Life recruiting season is in full swing for Eyes in the Sky, the C4L team representing Mid-Atlantic Climbers. Visit their team page to join the fun.

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