I feel recently a sincere need to speak out and use my voice to help change the world. To that effect, find here another cause I take deeply to heart.

The American Lung Association of WA is planning climbs of Rainier in July to benefit their fight for clean air and eradication of diseases like lung cacner. My family has been crushed by cancer. It has left many a death in its trails (my dad, my grandpa, my grandma) and has hit others with it who have fought it off due to the more recent advances in medical technology (my other grandpa and my cousin). My daughter, although cancer free has regular appointments for other issues at the Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic and I see the affected families on every visit.

My sister is coming to Seattle to climb Rainier in late July. She didn’t know about the ALAW climbs, but is doing her part to contribute to the cause regardless. If you care about cancer and it’s eradication, please take a moment to read the below. If it moves you, shes has details on how to donate to the American Cancer Society for her climb.

As most of you know, I have been preparing to climb Mt. Rainier at the end of July. In addition to my physical conditioning and all of the logistical preparations, I have recently decided to add an extra meaningful element to the event.

I have contacted the local chapter of the American Cancer Society about using my climb to raise money to donate to the ACS (a walk-a-thon of sorts ñ only vertical in orientation!). A portion of the monies I raise will be donated in the name of my father who passed away from skin cancer in 1983 and a portion of the monies I raise will be donated in dedication to my grandfather who is recovering from breast cancer.

This adds an indescribable dimension and meaning to this summit attempt. My love of long distance hiking and mountaineering can now also simultaneously honor two people I love deeply and will raise monies to help fund research for the detection, treatment, and eventually a cure for various cancers.

As this is not an official ACS event, there are two ways you can donate if you elect to do so. You can either send cash or checks payable to me directly to me at: __Her personal address removed pending permission to post it__. All of these monies will be added together and sent by me in one check to the American Cancer Society. For those of you who feel more comfortable sending money directly to the American Cancer Society, checks (which should have both Cynthia M. OíLeary and in memory of Jerome Lee OíLeary written on the memo
line) made payable to the American Cancer Society can be sent to:

American Cancer Society
Attn: David
4940 Van Nuys Blvd.
#301
Sherman Oaks, California 91403

The ACS will contact me about a month after the climb to let me know who donated, so I can personally thank everyone.

Please do not feel any obligation to donate money, but please do send me your positive energy and thoughts on July 29th and 30th. Please also feel free to pass this email along to friends, family, and colleagues.

Thanks in advance and Iíll give you all the details of my climb at the beginning of August.

Cindy

Please post a comment if you donate to the ACS so she can match up contact information with your name. I’m not sure how much info besides names the ACS will send her, and we both feel it important to personally thank you for your generosity.

How you may ask, does this relate to photography? Well, I have yet to broach the subject with my sister, so I will post in a day or two after I have confirmed she is on board with my idea. I am fairly confident she will agree, but out of respect refuse to speak for her without first speaking to her.