Climb For Cancer Care

Fingers crossed...

2010-06-26T04:27:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-01T06:38:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-06T08:15:00.001-08:00

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...

2009-10-24T12:02:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-10-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

Summit!!!

2009-07-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Columbia Crest - 14,410' Summit of Mt. Rainier

July 1, 2009 6:32 am PST

On the morning of July 1, 2009, at approxmimately 6:30 am, the final of 17 climbers from the southern Maine fundraising syndicate known as Climb for Cancer Care stood atop the tallest point in Washington State, Mt. Rainier. 100% success for any climbing expedition is quite rare on a peak that turns its back on 50% of all suitors vying for the summit. The fact that these were 17 amateurs of varying experience, climbing as a vehicle for raising funds and awareness for cancer patients at the Marshall L. and Susan Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center in Portland, ME, made the achievement all that more staggering.

As of this posting, approximately $31,500 was raised during the 2009 endeavour. We will continue to update our final totals as those numbers become available to us.

While each story was specific, personal, and intimate, the overall patriarch of Climb for Cancer Care, "Rockin'" Rodney Scribner, was once again honored at the top with a toast of Miller High Life, of course. Scribner, the uncle of Climb for Cancer Care's founder, Pat Connolly, lost his courageous 2.5 year battle with bladder cancer on March 7, 2005. With 3 climbs now in the books, Climb for Cancer Care has raised over $60,000 in Scribner's name to the Marshall L. and Susan Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center.

In the press

2009-06-27T07:17:00.001-07:00

Check out these recent articles about your favorite climbing non-profit:

Portland Press Herald: Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=263968&ac=PHnws

-C3

56 Days...

2009-05-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

56 Days to go...

It always blows my mind when getting ready for an expedition. Time seems to distort itself without warning. It seems like mere moments ago, I took over the living room packing all of my equipment for the 2008 endeavour. Suddenly it seems, it's May 4th, 2009, and 18 of us are looking at our objective a quickly closing 8 weeks away.

Certainly, every time that departure dates creep ever closer, my mind starts running constantly and somewhat frantically: have the vans been reserved? What will the weather be like? How is my fitness and focus? Have we raised enough money yet? While some of these questions are easier than others to answer, they nevertheless continuously play through my mind like some irritating clip show.

The nicer weather does quite a bit to help out. Seemingly endless miles spent on the treadmill turn their way to running outside. Suffering through the roll-of-the-dice weather of training climbs on Mt. Washington lend themselves to longer, nicer days of mountaineering (for Mt. Washington, anyway). Money which has been a slow trickle (note: $12,000 thus far has been raised) so far will begin to flood the donation pages and mailbox at the office.

To be certain, the next 56 days will scream by, time distorting itself into a greater frenzy. Before anyone realizes it, we'll be boarding our flight, saying goodbye to family and friends for a week, and start our journey, mindful of the fact that we'll have raised at least $30,000.

56 days. Wow.

One Fish, Two Fish, Climb Fish, DogFish!

2009-03-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

Join Climb for Cancer Care with Allagash Brewing Company at both DogFish locations all March long! For every pint of sweet, sweet, Allagash beer you buy, $.10 will be donated to Climb for Cancer Care. When was the last time philanthropy tasted so damn good? Climbers from this year's team will be in and out of both locations on Tuesday, March 3rd for our big kickoff, when Allagash and DogFish will throw down $1 for every appetizer and Allagash pint you enjoy. Spread the word - Happy Hour can happen on Tuesday afternoons too you know...

-Climb for Cancer Care

Charlie Biegg's Benefit Night 2/27

2009-02-24T13:50:00.001-08:00

Friday, February 27th from 9:30 p.m. 'til Close

Climb for Cancer Care is proud to announce the official kickoff party of the 2009 season! On Friday, February 27th, local restaurant Charlie Biegg's in North Windham will be starting the fundraising season for Climb for Cancer Care. Come on out and meet this year's team of climbers while enjoying great food, drink, and live music! Speaking of the food, Charlie Biegg's will donate a percentage of bar food sales to your friendly neighborhood non-profit, so bring your appetite! There will be raffles and even a silent auction, so you could go home with more than you originally bargained for!

The Climb for Cancer Care team will be there throughout the night enjoying the good times withe everyone, as well as accepting donations and selling our outstanding "Care Wear" to those who are truly on board with our cause.

As always, thanks for your continued support of Climb for Cancer Care.

-Pat

A Day With Kevin Mahoney

2009-02-18T11:58:00.001-08:00

Kevin Mahoney showing Pat and Aaron how it's done

Hanging Gardens - Frankenstein Cliff, NH

People often ask, "What do you do for training?" This question usually elicits the same answer - lots of cardiovascular endurance work, weight lifting, solid nutrition, blah, blah. While this is the basis of any solid mountaineering training regimen, sometimes, you have to have as much fun as possible to train for the mountains. Ice climbing has long been a passion of mine and offers a tremendous way to train both mind and body. Plus, it's a badass way of having fun in the winter. On Monday 2/16, Aaron Tardiff and myself were able to spend the day with Kevin Mahoney - a local guide based out of Madison, New Hampshire. (www.newhampshireiceclimbing.com).

We spent our day at Frankenstein Cliff in Crawford Notch, NH. More specifically, we were climbing in a particular arena known as 'The Hanging Gardens". Hiking up the path to this area was a mental shot - curtains of ice not quite touching the ground, including one free-standing pillar with a 3 inch gap in the middle of it! Kevin offered the sage advice and demonstrated the technique of how to climb ice of this nature. With multiple ropes and ascents going on (mostly by Aaron and Kevin as I forgot to pack my endurance Monday - still a blast though...), the day flew by.

The climax of the day was watching Kevin climb the 5+ "Without Reason" - essentially linking 3 separate blobs of ice together into 1 climb. Watching Kevin delicately maneuver the climb was impressive. Aaron Tardiff, my climbing partner for the last few years, seemed to be licking his chops in anticipation of stepping onto this climb. His face showed that there was no doubt he was going to accept anything less than topping out on this. With strength, determination, and some stellar coaching from Kevin, Aaron nailed it! Exhausted and a little shaky from the endeavor of sending the climb, Aaron was entirely elated the remainder of the day.

Aaron gettin' after it on the last of 3 icicles which forms "Without Reason" NEI 5+

Like any activity in the mountains, ice climbing is about who you spend your time with and how much fun you have. Enjoying friendships, the terrain, and of course, the activity itself make for a truly amazing day of training. When all of these variables blend together, it makes a day of training seem more like a day hanging out.

To see more pictures of ice escapades and hijinkx, check out: climbforcancercare.ning.com/pictures

-Pat

Serendipitous Sponsor

2009-01-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

Climb for Cancer Care would like to proudly announce our first sponsor of our 2009 endeavor, Pine State Trading Co. Aside from being New England's leading full service wholesale distributor, Pine State Trading Co. has the new honor of attaining Camp Muir sponsorship value for the 2009 Climb for Cancer Care.

What makes this sponsorship so special is that Pine State Trading Co. was the former employer of our namesake, Rod Scribner. This was overlooked by both of our organizations for some time, but when 2 and 2 were put together, Keith Canning of PSTC and Pat Connolly of C3 certainly had a jovial conversation about how fitting the connection truly was.

For more information on our great new sponsor, visit here: www.pinestatetrading.com.

EMS Club Day - 20% Off!

2008-10-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

Support Climb for Cancer Care and receive 20% off your purchase

October 17th and 18th at 87 Marginal Way Portland, Maine

Perhaps you're like me. I really enjoy starting my holiday shopping at places I like to shop at myself - such as, EMS. If you're also like me, you loathe, abhor, and detest spending full price for anything from socks to floor mats. Lastly, if you're anything else like me, you'll be at EMS Portland this Friday and Saturday to support your favorite local non-profit project and take care of yourself, too!

This is how it works: come over to our blue EZ Up, say hello, and give us a $10 donation (or more if you're feeling particularly generous...) and we and the good folks at EMS Portland will hook you up for 20% off your toys, clothes, or accessories at EMS for the weekend.

Now think about this: Skis, climbing gear, winter clothing, Chrisma-hana-kwanza-kah shopping all adds up pretty quickly, right? 20% off is enjoying your gear for way less, PLUS, you get the added karma points of assisting your favorite climbing group as they continue to ramp up the fundraising totals for the Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center. All your favorite climbers from 2008 will be there like: Rich Young, Adam Gagne, Aaron Tardiff, and Matt Moon, along with new faces eager to meet you. I'm getting excited already!

EMS Portland and Climb for Cancer Care - a winning combination if ever there was one. See you this weekend.

-Climb for Cancer Care

A Mountain of Thanks

2008-08-26T09:36:00.003-07:00

$24,350.52 raised for the 2008 Climb for Cancer Care

2008's Climb for Cancer Care team would like to extend an enormous thank you to all of the family, friends, businesses, strangers, patients, nurses, and all other supporters who made this year's climb a smashing success. The word is out for the 2009 climb and a lot of energy is surrounding it already. Check back in mid-September for more updates with the current status. As always, feel free to e-mail us with your comments, suggestions, and questions.

Mt. Rainier - Part II

2008-08-25T18:24:00.001-07:00

Matt and Pat gearing up at the National Park Inn

Mt. Rainier National Park - July 6th, 2008

I think it was Matt and Marco who came up with the idea first. Sitting in their tent on the morning of our abandoned summit drive, they started scheming a way to extend their flights home and give Rainier another shot while we were still fit and ready to take it on. The word spread throughout our collective crew, and while everyone wanted to, only the 3 teachers and one unemployed dude were able to fully take advantage of the trip extension. On July 6th, Matt, Marco, Chris, and Pat made the drive from Seattle to Ashford for the 3rd time in a week to prepare for a 2 day attempt on Mt. Rainier - this time via the highly popular, yet uber classic Disappointment Cleaver route. We would start climbing on the morning of the 7th, set up camp at the historic Camp Muir, nap, eat, sleep, and then begin our summit attempt at 1:30 a.m. on the 8th. Sounds simple enough, right? We figured we could make it work, seeing as we had made it to 11,300 only days prior, so acclimatization shouldn't be that much of an issue.

The morning of the 7th started off perfectly. Sunny skies, cool air temperature, and a half of a blackberry pie for breakfast.

With bags packed and spirits high, we set off again with hopes of reaching the summit. This time had a little more importance for us. We were once again climbing in the name of all those afflicted with cancer at the Marshall L. and Susan Gibson Pavilion at Portland's Maine Medical Center - both patient and family member. For our second attempt, names like Troy, Rich, Adam, and Aaron were at the forefront of our minds also. Climbing for our teammates who couldn't stay out with us for the second attempt was just as important in this case as those who we came to climb for initially. With all this spinning through my head, I found it very difficult to find my focus that morning: my mind could not stop wandering.

The hike up to Camp Muir was spectacular. Fields of endless snow were interrupted by beautiful alpine gardens and breathtaking vistas. The stone structures of Camp Muir began revealing themselves over the crest as if one were approaching a snowy Camelot. Taking in all of the vast beauty around me started to shift my mind in the right direction, and I started drawing strength from the mountain, though it still seemed to pale in comparison to that possessed by Matt, Marco, and Chris, who were at least 100 yards ahead of me.

I finally caught them at the top of the crest, where all of Camp Muir awaited for me to take in. It was a Monday, and still there were multiple bright colored dome tents scattered along the great snow field. We found 2 campsites right next to each other and began setting up our tents for what would prove to be the last time.

Going to bed that evening was difficult. Part in partial because the sun was still out and bright at 9 p.m., but I couldn't seem to turn my head off this time. I was listening to my iPod, hoping that music would lull me to sleep, but every song seemed to trigger a memory. At one point, I felt that getting up and prepping was the only smart thing to do. I checked the time: 10:15 p.m. I had been "sleeping" for 45 minutes and still had another 2+ hours to kill before the alarm would roust the others (who, might I add, were sleeping well). Music and memories continued to overtake me until the alarm finally went off. At last, I was able to get up, swallow instant oatmeal and coffee, gear up, and set out to finish this project.

The early climbing took us through a rock field, occasionally highlighted by sparks caused by our crampons striking the volcanic rock. I saw the crowd in front of us: about 20 individual beams of light from other climbers seemed to make a biolumiscent catepillar slowly working their way up the hill. Once over the rock pile, we were able to pass two of these parties, which made for better conditions ahead of us as we approached an 80 foot fixed-line rock traverse. It was slow going, a narrow footpath of 5-6 inches, with a solid 400 foot fall beneath us and loose rock above. This was not a place I wanted to be waiting for others in front of us. We continued through this stretch without incident and made it to the snow slopes at 11,500'. From here on out, it would be non-stop snow climbing up 45 degree slopes.

The longer we went, the stronger I felt. Perhaps nothing made me feel any stronger than seeing the sun beginning to rise from the eastern horizon. 13,600' and the sun was fully out. We had roughly an hour's climb left to the summit, and the mountain clearly was going to let us touch the top. Winds were strong and gusty, and other climbers were coming down - some successfully, some disheartened. This difference between success and failure made me think about the constant similarities between this climb and cancer itself. Full of mystery and anxiety, hope and bewilderment, our climb on some level closely resembled a patient's journey. I found a great deal of strength within this idea, and thought of the words of Rich. He had said, "just think how many patients would love to be up and out of their beds to have the chance to do something like this." Thinking of that, and Rich, Aaron, Adam, and Troy rejuventated me when I should have been dragging. The end of this endless snowslope was in sight. 15 minutes and we would be at the top...or so it would appear.

The top of the snowslope was reached, which did not bring us to the summit. It brought us inside the crater of the great volcano itself. A half mile walk across the windswept, flat caldera stood between us and the last short section of vertical gain to the summit. Pending any freakish weather glitches or a sign of the apocolypse, we would be on the summit in 15 minutes. If I was emotional thinking of my teammates and patients, I was truly digging deep inside myself to name what I was feeling on my way to the summit. Thoughts of my uncle Rod and family came rushing through me, and as I stepped on the summit and kneeled with head resting on my ice axe, I began to sob uncontrollably. Memories, fueled by fatigue and accomplishment reduced me to a level of tears uncommonly released. After embracing my mates, the classic summit pictures were taken, capturing the elation of the moment, the effort of the accomplishment, and the bond which afforded us the summit.

After stepping off of the summit, we sat near the steam vents for a while, warming and eating in the early sun of the day. We would each take a turn writing in the summit register and re-lock in the metal box protecting it from the elements. As the others were having their own moments and individual time, I withdrew the large and heavy 24 oz. Miller High Life from my backpack, an infant tradition I had started on the summit of Mt. Hood in 2006. The Miller High Life was reminiscent of the last beer I had with my uncle, in his hospital room on the Gibson floor, days before his passing. After having a few sips and sharing with Matt, Marco, and Chris, I stashed it behind a rock, leaving the last half for him to finish.

With our summit secured, we made a few phone calls to friends and family to tell of our successes. All that was left was to return back to camp. I wish there was some exciting, death-defying story to share, but all was straight forward (unless you count the 5 minutes I spent excavating myself out of thigh-high deep snow, yet I hardly consider that death-defying...). We returned to camp by 11:30 a.m., 10 hours after departing. A brief nap and snack passed a few hours of our time before breaking down camp, packing up, and beginning the 3.5 hour hike back down to Paradise. Taking the scenery for the last time, we returned to Paradise just 33 hours after having left. Truly a beautiful mountain that brought out the best of all who chose to Climb for Cancer Care in 2008.

Mt. Rainier - Part I

2008-07-31T07:42:00.001-07:00

The token trailhead photo

June 30th, 2008 10 AM

(L-R: Troy, Pat, Marco, Rich, Matt, Adam, Chris, Aaron)

It was a beautiful Monday morning in Ashford, Washington. The sun was shining at full intensity, and only a slight wisp of cirrus clouds clung to the majestic summit of Mt. Rainier. The 8 of us stood in wonder and stared at our objective towering above. The emotions ranged from excitement and bewilderment to anxiousness and trepidation. 10 months of hard work had led us to this point, and here we were, face to face with a dream, a challenge, and a metaphor all at the same instant. After re-packing for the last time and checking in with the climbing rangers, we were off to make high camp at 9,400'.

The first hour of hiking was more strenuous than most thought. Still, it gave time for the blood to really get flowing through all the muscles. We finally reached our first point: Panorama Point, where one could see Mt. Adams, Mt. Saint Helens, and a faint glimmer of 2006's objective, Mt. Hood. We had gained our first 1,000 vertical feet, only to start descending 400 feet to the Lower Nisqually glacier. Once we reached the morraine, we took our packs off, applied more suncscreen, and roped up for our first glacier crossing as a team. After what seemed like an endless walk across a blank white surface, we reached the base of The Fan.

Our first impression of The Fan was slightly ominous. There was a significant amount of rockfall at the base and looking up at the staggering volcanic rock formations above us, not one of us wanted to stand still here for any longer than necessary. We entered The Fan and started a sustained climb on 45 - 50 degree snow slopes, constantly on the lookout for rockfall.

By 4 o'clock that afternoon, we were at 8,200' and had gained just about 3,000 vertical feet over the course of 5.5 hours. The camp we were aiming for on Day 1 was still another 1.5 - 2 hours away. Without ego, Rich spoke up and said that he was doubtful he could continue on from this point today. After resting and rallying, we dropped 100' and set up Camp Rich, a beautiful flat vista which would give us all a chance to melt some snow and start making dinner. By morning, Rich was not feeling any better, and had not slept much, if at all. Once again, abandoning his ego, he began to ask if someone could take him to the glacier crossing so that he may get back to the car in the parking lot. All the while, Rich was constantly saying to everyone that he did not want to cost them their summit attempt. In their own individual

way, everyone supported and reassured him. In what would prove to be the most selfless gesture on the mountain, Chris volunteered to take Rich to the parking lot and stay with him. Matt agreed to take over for Chris as the 2nd rope team leader. After camp was broken down Chris and Rich tied in together, and the 2 teams of 3 did the same. In a bittersweet moment, words of apology and empathy were spoken, and Rich and Chris began there descent while Matt, Aaron, Troy, Adam, Marco, and Pat started their trek to high camp at 9,400'.

An uneventful 2 hour trek led the remaining 6 to high camp (editor's note: high camp was dubbed "The Penthouse" due to it's top floor feel) where camp was set up on a nice bed of pumice. This day was spent resting and relaxing as we would start our summit attempt at 12:00 a.m. This whole time, our idea had been to summit Rainier by a route called The Fuhrer Finger. We were able to get a better look at this route from high camp and noticed that the rockfall seemed to be higher than we had anticipated. Looking through the guidebook and our surrounding terrain, we decided a less objective hazard laden route would be the Kautz Glacier route, due north from our camp. Had we known then what we would experience attempting this route, we probably would have thought something else entirely.

The alarms went off at 11:00 p.m. and we awoke and started stoves for "breakfast" which constisted of everything from instant oatmeal to Pop Tarts to Clif Bars and chocolate. The gear was laid out and everyone was ready. We stepped out of camp, onto the snow again, flipped on the headlamps, and started our midnight ascent of Mt. Rainier.

day was now fully happening. Things were going pretty slowly. Total darkness was only interrupted by 6 bobbing beams of light, which made finding our route incredibly difficult. We finally made it to about 10,300' when we needed to stop for a, er, bathroom break. What came next cannot possibly be fully expressed by words. Standing in a wide open space in the middle of the dark, we heard the thundering roar of icefall. I'd love to be able to say that we collectively stayed calm and looked out for each other; however, the reality is that total fear took over and every man ran for shelter. The ice never came anywhere near us in the end; though with the fear experienced by all, you'd have thought we narrowly escaped a harrowing fate.

Recollected and calm(er), we continued for another 1,000 feet, climbing on frozen snow at consistent slope of 50 degrees. We came to a rocky outcropping, where there was soil, pumice, ash, and loose rock. The route passed through this, but when I came across a fixed anchor and a cache of rescue gear, I quickly told the others. After speculating if we were all still on route, we swallowed some pride and asked the party behind us if we were on the right route. The other party confirmed that we were dead on. I then told everyone what lay beyond the anchor and gear: a 30 foot cliff dropping down into total darkness! There was no way to know what was at the bottom. Visions of Touching the Void came through my eyes as the thought of being dropped into a crevasse was a certain possibility. I looked from person to person.

Each of these 5 guys had worked incredibly hard to get here. They had each raised over $1,000 on their own to have the chance to stand on top of Rainier. Now I had to be the one to tell them we had to turn around. On the downclimb to camp, I reflected on what the journey had been like to that point, and while everyone crawled into their tents at 5:15 a.m., I stayed awake to watch the sunrise coming over the eastern horizon.

As difficult as it was to make that decision, it turned out to be the right one, no matter how many times I've second-guessed it. We were awoken at 6:30 later that morning by a Chinook helicopter. It was flying to approximately 11,400' to rescue a climber from the Kautz Glacier route who had fallen into a crevasse, smacked his head, and broken a few ribs. Later on in the day, during our descent back to Paradise, we learned that a guided party had also turned around at the same impass we had. These happenings made the decision easier to bear, though still uncomfortable. We made it back to Paradise via lots of glissading (i.e. sliding on your butt) and smiles. When we got there, we were greeted by hugs, smiles, and Rainier beers from Rich and Chris.

This was the Climb for Cancer Care. All 8 of us together on the mountain, though in different places, and even without a summit, we had a huge amount of success. Everyone made it off the mountain safely and back home to their families. When it comes right down to it, that marks the true marker of success in the mountains: going home so you can come back another day. For four of us, that day came sooner than we had indeed anticipated.

Binga's Wingas Benefit Night

2008-06-05T14:20:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, June 17th

Be honest - when's the last time you ate a pile of wings and washed them down with pitchers of beer AND helped your favorite non-profit at the same time? That's what I thought. The brilliant minds of Binga's Wingas, Harpoon Brewing Company, and your favorite Climb for Cancer Care members have come together to give you a FULL DAY where you can do all three! On Tuesday, June 17th, from OPEN to CLOSE, Binga's and Harpoon are helping you to help us. All delicious Harpoon drafts are only $2.50 all day! Even better, $1 from each pint of Harpoon will directly benefit Climb for Cancer Care. In addition to your favorite hopped beverages, Binga's will kick in $2 from every basket of homemade onion rings, sweet potato fries, and - magnum opus themselves - Binga's Wingas!

Beer specials, great grub, great cause. I know - we look forward to seeing you on the 17th, too. Stop by and say hi to your Portland Summer League friends after your game, as Binga's is the PSL postgame bar on the 17th! Check in with Troy, Rich, Aaron, and Pat to ask them more about the climb itself (and how you can score one of those great looking Climb for Cancer Care t-shirts or hats!).

A huge thanks to Binga's Wingas and Harpoon Brewing Company for their generous support of the 2008 Climb for Cancer Care!

-C3

Thanks, Clif Bar!

2008-05-27T13:15:00.001-07:00

At times, gathering support for Climb for Cancer Care can be a difficult and arduous process. This frustrating process, however, can also be a beacon of hope when the right people, with the right attitude step up to the plate to help out the little guys. Climb for Cancer Care would like to formally thank our newest supporter, Clif Bar, for their generous donation to our cause. Not only do they make the best energy products on the market, like us, they haven't lost sight of their original ideas and integrity. With their support behind us and their product in us, Clif Bar is doing their part to help make the 2008 Climb for Cancer Care a truly great success. Thanks Clif Bar!

-C3

Kevin Mahoney Benefit Slideshow and Raffle

2008-05-15T13:24:00.001-07:00

Thursday, May 29th @ 7:30 p.m.

EMS Portland

87 Marginal Way Portland, ME

$5 suggested donation

(includes free raffle ticket)

World renowned alpinist, IFMGA certified mountain guide, and all-around-nice-guy Kevin Mahoney will be presenting a slide show to benefit Climb for Cancer Care on the evening of Thursday, May 29th @ 7:30 at EMS Portland. Kevin will present photography from around the world, displaying his climbing adventures and illustrating his stories. The Climb for Cancer Care team will be at the door collecting entrance donations, as well as selling extra raffle tickets (3/$5, 7/$10), merchandise, and accepting your donations. Show starts at 7:30 and seating is limited to 60 chairs (standing room available -and I'm sure Kevin will bring you to your feet whether you're seated or not...).

We have some incredible prizes for you including:

Jackets from Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia!

Sunglasses from Julbo!

Hats and headlamps from Black Diamond!

$50 Gift Certificate to the Old Port Sea Grill

Rope from Sterling Rope!

Intro to Climb packages from Maine Rock Gym!

A day of guided climbing with Kevin Mahoney, courtesy of Mahoney Alpine Adventures!

and more!

We can't wait to see you there! Contact Pat Connolly at PConnolly22@gmail.com for questions or more information.

Why?

2008-05-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

"Why are you doing this?"

This is a question that is asked of me frequently. Why am I doing this? Why did I start Climb for Cancer Care? Love is the easy answer. I saw my uncle (and namesake of the Rockin' Rod Foundation) courageously battle cancer for 2.5 years before giving in. I remember -vividly- the effects Rod's cancer had on all those around him. I recall tears, running down the faces of my family. I remember feeling lost and detached, not really knowing what to think or feel; almost a state of emotional paralysis. Sure, I cried -bloody hard, too- but those tears were because of my loved ones. I wasn't crying on my own. In the days after Rod's passing, I knew I had to seek the solace and solitude of the mountains. I went climbing to clear my head, and yeah, to escape.

The rolling steep terrain of Mt. Washington and the fickle March weather transcended me to a different place. I was inside myself, breathing in the purity of the air, and it burned deep inside my out-of-shape lungs. My legs grew tired and sluggish, but I pushed on, again, not knowing why really. At the top of Central Gully, I cried. I cried hard. I found my release, and felt significantly better. It was here, that I decided I was going to use climbing as a vehicle to raise money for cancer patients and their families. It was here that all of a sudden that my climbing no longer felt a selfish pursuit of adrenaline bursts. Most importantly, it was here that I came up with the name, "The Rockin' Rod Foundation".

Fast forward 15 months from this point and I summited Mt. Hood in Oregon on July 3, 2006. I had raised $8,000 for patients and families at the Marshall L. and Susan Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center. On the summit, at 5:45 a.m., I had a Miller High Life with my uncle.

Every climber on this team has their own story to answer, "Why are you doing this?" As we continue to raise funds, thanks to your selfless generosity, I hope you take a moment to ask yourself the same question.

So, why are you doing this?

-Pat

Romeo's Pizza Benefit Night

2008-04-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 28th 4-9 PM ALL Locations

On Monday, April 28th, from 4-9, your appetite will directly benefit cancer patients and their families. Romeo's Pizza will be partnering up with the Climb for Cancer Care Team to make a huge difference in the comfort of patients at the Marshall L. and Susan Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center. How you might ask? For every pizza that you purchase between 4 and 9 PM, Romeo's will give the Climb for Cancer Care Team $1. If you're already a Rewards Member of Romeo's, that will drop and additional $.50 towards our project. Lastly, if you've been waiting for just the right time to become a Romeo's Rewards member, this is it. If you sign up for a Reward's Membership (oh yeah, it's FREE, so no excuse not to, right?) Romeo's will kick in an extra buck for every new member who signs up. Pretty sweet, right?

Now, you may be feeling a bit like Juliet right now and asking yourself, "Romeo's? Where for art thou, Romeo's?" There are 4 great locations in Scarborough, Yarmouth, Topsham, and Damariscotta. Team members will be at the Scarborough and Yarmouth locations meeting and greeting customers, as well as selling our benefit merchandise and accepting donations.

Feel like catching a Monday night baseball game at a sports bar? Why not check out the game at either one of All Star's Sports Bars in Yarmouth or Damariscotta? Both establishments are in on the charity night - which makes for a total of six establishments total looking to help out patients and their families undergoing care at Gibson.

Think to yourself - when was the last time ordering a pizza filled more than your stomach? Enjoy the best pizza in Maine and know that a slice of your pie contributes directly to those in need. Makes me hungry for more: how about you?

See you Monday night!

The C3 Team

Support Climb for Cancer Care, Get 20% off at EMS!

2008-04-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

20% off!!
Friday, April 18th-Saturday, April 19th

Been eyeing that new backpack or tent? Want to upgrade your climbing rack, but can't swing the price? Let the Climb for Cancer Care team and your friend's at EMS Portland help you out!

On Friday, April 18th through Saturday, April 19th, members from the Climb for Cancer Care team will be at EMS Portland (87 Marginal Way) accepting donations and selling our sweet merchandise. How does this help you? Well, if you make a donation or purchase a piece of our gear, EMS will reward your philanthropic spirit by giving you 20% off your purchase! When was the last time you were able to boost your karma by giving, and getting something back IMMEDIATELY in return? Mark the dates on your calendar and we hope to see you at EMS on April 18th and 19th!

Climb for Cancer Care Gear!

2008-04-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

And so can you! We have official Climb for Cancer Care merchandize available to the non-climbing public! We offer 100% cotton, pre-shrunk t-shirts in small, medium, large, and extra large for $20.

Cold head? Looking for the perfect hat for early morning runs, spring skiing, ultimate frisbee warm ups, or, climbing Mt. Rainier in the summer? How about one of our Teton Toppers? These sell for $25 and are available in a S/M or L/XL sizing.

Lastly, our premiere piece: FlexFit caps! These outstanding hats are available in S/M and L/XL sizing, stretch to fit your head, and feature the Climb for Cancer Care Sunstar logo on the front, with the name of your favorite climbing non-profit on the back, slightly offset to the right.

Any of these pieces are available for purchase. Contact Pat Connolly at PConnolly22@gmail.com or Ryan Scribner at ryan.scribner@gmail.com for ordering information. All checks should be made payable to Climb for Cancer Care. Show your support for a great cause!

Meet the Climb for Cancer Care Team!

2008-01-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 2008 Climb for Cancer Care blog! Over the next 4 months, you will get an insider's perspective on the workings of this large undertaking. Climb for Cancer Care is fully backed by the Rockin' Rod Foundation, which was established in March 2005 after the passing of our namesake, "Rockin" Rodney Scribner. The goal of Climb for Cancer Care is to raise at least $10,000 to donate to the Marshall L. and Susan Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. All proceeds of our climb directly benefit patients and families during their stay at Gibson.

For 2008, the numbers have greatly increased! Climb for Cancer Care is now 8 climbers strong! This year's team includes:

Pat Connolly Westbrook, ME

Matt Moon Portland, ME

Adam Gagne South Portland, ME

Marco Aliberti Kingfield, ME

Chris Mahaney Bath, ME

Aaron Tardiff Falmouth, ME

Troy Goddu North Yarmouth, ME

Rich Young Portland, ME

With our eyes set upon the summit of Mt. Rainier, the real challenge lies in front of us with a fundraising goal of at least $10,000. We are committed to reaching, if not surpassing this goal to provide patients and families at the Gibson Pavilion with a comfortable stay during their stay.

Interested in supporting us? Check out our website at:

fundraising.mmc.org/climbforcancercare

Be sure to check back regularly for updates on fundraising, events, training, and merchandise!

-The Climb for Cancer Care Team