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Interfaith Center
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P.O. Box 3134
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-0752
| February 2008 Climbing Kilimanjaro for Breast Cancer Last January marked the beginning of a course of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation to combat my diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. I was 28 when I began treatment–and now that I’m 29 with a clean bill of health and the proud owner of 17 colorful wigs, I’m undertaking a new challenge: to raise money for breast cancer research by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Not only is this expedition an incredible fundraising tool for breast cancer research, but tackling a mountain is a beautiful metaphor as a capstone to my recovery year, and a motivating force to get back into excellent physical shape! The summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is 19,341 feet, and I will be the FIRST actual breast cancer survivor to participate in Climb for Hope! Precisely when my treatment began last year, my mountain-climbing brother Austin coincidentally met a group of climbers in Ecuador that were raising money for breast cancer research at Johns Hopkins. He told the Climb for Hope group about my diagnosis, and they immediately bonded. Now, Climb for Hope has hired my brother as a guide for their upcoming climb in Tanzania this June. When he invited me to join them, my reaction was without hesitation: YES!!To participate in the climb, I will pay my own airfare and expenses, but I have to raise $9,000 for the work of Dr. Leisha Emmens at Johns Hopkins, where she is researching gene therapy as a cure for advanced stage breast cancer. That means that yes, I’m asking you for a donation, but please keep in mind that 100% of the money you contribute to Climb for Hope is tax- deductible. Remember, I’m paying for my climb, and you are helping to fight breast cancer! To donate online: www.active.com/donate/CFH08/anniepaulson. For more info about Climb for Hope: www.climbforhope.com. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me with an amazing raft of love throughout my breast cancer adventure... and now it’s time for the next one!! Please don’t hesitate to contact me (annie_paulson@yahoo.com) if you have any questions about this project. If you prefer to mail a check for your donation, you can write it to “CLIMB FOR HOPE” and mail it to: CLIMB FOR HOPE Editor’s note: Annie Paulson is a former ICPJ board member. |
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Last updated March 24, 2008 |
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Interfaith Center for Peace and Justice
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