Fingers crossed...

The weather looks good.

The conditions have improved nicely the past 2 weeks.

Two peaks in one week? Sounds like fun!

Most importantly, $10,000.00 raised this year, pushing up our 4 year grand total to over $78k! Yeehaw!

We'll try to update our blog over the course of next week (for the 4 of you who read it) and let you know about our trials and tribulations on Mt. Hood (6/28-6/29) amd Mt. Rainier (6/30-7/2).

-C3

Get Mental

Pat Connolly at Frankenstein Cliff, trying to figure out where the hell to go next...

As I was scrupulously looking over my pre-climb equipment list tonight, I began thinking about a crucial aspect left untouched - the mental aspect of Climb for Cancer Care. We've talked at length about fundraising and physical preparedness for our impending (albeit daunting) task that lie ahead. I realize though, that a significant portion of this proposed endeavour - if not the majority - of this year's attempt is going to be mental.

These questions constantly run through my mind while running this program. I don't think about these just for myself, but for everyone who signs on to join me. I want everyone to have a fun, rewarding, if not cathartic experience. I want you to have that moment at the top of the (both literal, and metaphoric) mountain where you break down and realize the accomplishment of your whole effort. Some of you are approaching your milestone of raising over $5,000.

Stop and think about that.

Why are you doing this? Is it for the chance to climb some big, beautiful mountains out west with some folks who happen to have some knowledge and skill? Are you doing this in memoriam of someone? Are you doing this in the existential manner to feel doubt, pain, uncertainty, and reliance on others, so that you may attempt to assimilate what those we are helping feel minute to minute?

Perhaps the answer to the last question is the most important. The answer to this question is what will drive you during the arduous moments. The answer to this question will give you solace if the climb goes other than planned. The answer to this question will tell you how mentally prepared you are for what you will encounter.

My intention is not to come across as the harbinger of self-doubt or negative thoughts; rather, I wish to come across at this point as a touch of reality. At the end of the day, your efforts are raising money for someone who may not see the sunrise tomorrow, let alone from a majestic peak. Your 60 minutes of suffering running stadiums will end at 60 minutes - the man undergoing his latest bout of chemotherapy is uncertain of when his pain will subside. Your choice to participate in this program, and the financial weight it can produce, is trite in comparison to the hospital bill left to the remaining family of a member passed on.

Tomorrow, as you ride your bike, run your 6 miles, lift weights at the gym, or stretch (and enjoy a great margarita), put these thoughts through your mind. Ask yourself the tough questions - see if you don't train a little harder, or put a little more effort into your fundraising bid. For if you have honest answers to your own questions (and mine, I suppose), your experience will be that much richer, more genuine.

$66,689.94

Pat Connolly, bowing in reverence to Rockin' Rod, summit of Mt. Rainier July 2009

Ever since I came up with the crazy idea for Climb for Cancer Care 5 years ago, I never thought it would have become what it has. In our 3 climbs to date, we have raised a total of $66,689.94, which is, needless to say, far more than the $17 I thought this would make once I realized how difficult raising money really is.

Most importantly, I've recently realized that the $100k goal I stated once in near hubris is becoming closer to an actuality. Help us get closer by making your donation today. Select the climber you'd like to support and send the money there way. It's not us you're helping, it's the patients and families at Gibson.

Keep checking back over the next 8 weeks for updates on training and the status of the fundraising apparatus.

-Pat

4/23 - 4/24: A Weekend of Fundraising

4/23 and 4/24: EMS Club Day (87 Marginal Way, Portland ME) 10am - 6 pm

4/24: 7pm - 11pm Silent Auction, Live Music Food bill% at Charlie Bieggs (754 Roosevelt Trail, No. Windam, ME)

Next weeked is a big one for Climb for Cancer Care. We'll be out at 2 separate fundraisers all weekend long. How can you help us out by helping yourself? Find out!

EMS Club Day: This is an event C3 has been participating in for 3 years now. How does it work? You pick up some of our sweet "Care Wear" (including the new, highly coveted, and limited edition "Pink" line), or make a (minimum) $10 donation to your favorite local non-profit and yout get a 20% off coupon f or all your purchases at EMS for the weekend. How sweet is that?

Charlie Biegg's: We had our first event at CB's last February (2009) and it was a smashing success! Great music, dancing, and a phenomenal silent auction! Come on out - it's Saturday night! Chat, dance, drink, and mingle with the C3 team! All of your favorites will be there including: Ben, Dave, Garry, Marco, Matt, Pat, Eliza, Brian, and Aaron!

Spread the word and see you next weekend!

-pc

The Bracelet

Each March, a ritual takes place for me. In the top drawer of my bureau sits a small yellow bracelet with LIVESTRONG imprinted on its faded exterior. I got the bracelet in 2004 and I refuse to ever get rid of it.

For most people, the whole LIVESTRONG bracelet trend has subsided along with their slap bracelets, hyper color t-shirts, and Pet Rocks. For me, the tired yellow latex will not only live strong, it will live forever.

This bracelet was on my wrist in my uncle's hospital room in the late winter of 2005. It was at his funeral. I had it on, a week later, when I broke down on the summit of Mt. Washington, confused, angry, and looking for answers. This is where Climb for Cancer Care was born - a typical Patrick-has-a-hair-brained-idea kind of moment. Who'd have thought this would be the one idea that would actually come to fruition?

My LIVESTRONG has faded from hundreds of hours of sweaty training. It has faded after each year, climbing in the higher elevations of the Pacific Northwest, basking in alpenglow and warm sunshine. In 2006, on top of Mt. Hood, I promised this wouldn't be a one-and-done ordeal. I had seen the positive effects Climb for Cancer Care created. In 2008, on the summit of Mt. Rainier, my bracelet was once again present. 2009, when C3 [somehow] got 17 climbers to the summit of Rainier in the name of my late uncle, my bracelet showed its resiliency yet again.

Today, my bracelet came out again - fittingly on the 5 year anniversary of uncle's passing. It's time to start training hard again. Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier will once again be reacquainted with my priceless $1 yellow bracelet. And on the 4th of July, once home again with my wife and daughter, back it will go, into the same safe spot in the top drawer of my dresser, ready for its next adventure.

A BIG year ahead...

2010: A big year ahead for Climb for Cancer Care

Climb for Cancer Care is growing! Each year, since the program's inception in 2006, numbers have grown. 2010 is proving to be no exception, with a projected number of over 20 climbers ascending peaks from coast-to-coast! Check back in mid-November for updates on what 2010 will hold, as well as what YOU can do to support Climb for Cancer Care!

-Pat

2010? What's Next?

Only time will tell, I suppose. News of the upcoming 2010 ascent(s) will be forthcoming in the following weeks.

Excited? I know I am!

Interested in joining the cause? Send an "e-mail of intent" to Pat at pat@climbforcancercare.com and express why you should be considered for joining the climb of a lifetime...

Check back in the next few weeks for news on the 2010 efforts!

-C3