On May 8th 2009, Jodi Buerger ended a four and a half year struggle with cancer. Throughout the battle, Andy observed many moments of strength, focus, and determination. Much of which, are characteristics of many expeditions, especially those climbing mountains. Thus, the inspiration Andy Buerger needed to create an organization called Climb for Hope.
Climb for Hope is a 501 (c) (3) Non-profit organization that raises and channels funds towards targeted and promising research in the fight against breast cancer. Our mission is to find the viable treatment for breast cancer.
In the last five years, Climb for Hope has donated over $500,000 to Johns Hopkins University for a vaccine under development. Not only does the vaccine address some of the most aggressive and lethal forms of Breast Cancer, but the research is expected to derive advances for many forms of cancer as well. Climb for Hope’s raised funds have sped up the work being done by Dr. Leisha Emens by more than 6 months, potentially saving thousands of lives. One day this vaccine could be used preventatively in high risk women.
We, at Rare Earth Adventures, is dedicated in seeing and assisting Climb for Hope achieve its mission and vision. Each climber is responsible for raising the minimum amount of funds and providing their own transportation to Portland, OR. Once in Portland, OR, we will gather at a hotel and begin to plan our ascent on Mount Adams.
If snow levels permit, we will climb via the Mazama Glacier route. If we can’t get to the trailhead for the Mazama Glacier, we will opt to summit via the South Spur route.
The South Spur route is considered to be a ‘beginners’ route but does have its challenges and obstacles. The Mazama Glacier is considered an intermediate route that requires technical skills to navigate through the glaciers. Our itinerary accounts for proper train-up time needed to accomplish both routes.
General Itinerary for 2012 Climb for Hope – Mount Adams Summit
Day 1 (29Jul12): Climbers travel to Portland, OR and meet Climb for Hope and REA Guides. Climbers check into hotel and then proceed to do a gear check with REA guides as well as receive issued equipment for the climb. Last, REA Guides will provide climbers with an interactive presentation of the overall route and additional information regarding the conditions on the mountain. Additionally, REA guides will lead group in a discussion on each climbers personal goals and desires in regards to the climb. Should climbers have forgotten or need additional equipment, REA guides will be available to transport folks to the local store.
Day 2 (30Jul12): Early morning wake-up and check-out of hotel rooms. REA Guides will load vehicles while climbers eat breakfast. After breakfast, we will depart for Mount Adams. We will stop occasionally for bathroom breaks and great photo opportunities. Once at the trailhead, we will prepare to start the approach to camp. We should arrive at camp by early afternoon where we will set-up camp and enjoy a great meal prepared by the guides/co-leads. During the evening, we will cover knots and others skills needed for the following day. We will end early evening with a last minute gear check and final pack-out for our summit attempt. Everyone will top-off water and prepare to get a solid nights rest.
Day 3 (31Jul12): Early morning wake-up (5am), a quick breakfast and on the ascent by 6am. Depending on weather, trail conditions and group pace, it can take anywhere from five to eight hours to summit. At the summit, you will have spectacular views of Goat Rock peaks, Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier to the north, Mount Hood, the Sisters and Mount Jefferson. After descending the route, enjoy the afternoon relaxing at camp while your guides prepare a delicious dinner.
Day 4 (01Aug12): Wake up at 7:00 a.m. enjoy breakfast, break down camp and hike to the vehicle by noon. We should arrive in Portland, Oregon by early evening.
Participants are required to raise or fund $2,000.00. Once signed up, participants will be given specific instructions on the platform used to raise the money. For more information regarding donation details please contact Andrew Buerger (Founder), 410-889-1499 or email info@ClimbForHope.com.
1. Each climber must pay for their own roundtrip airfare.
2. Donations will fund cost of guides and equipment, while the remaining (more than 2/3) of funds raised will go directly to Johns Hopkins breast cancer vaccine research.
3. Mt. Adams is a suitable climb for beginners, but you MUST be in good physical condition. Training in glacier traversing will be given on the mountain.
