Arlington Heights woman among 130 cancer advocates climbing Mount Flora in Winter Park, Colorado
A group of survivors, caregivers, and advocates climb to raise awareness and funding for colorectal cancer patient education, advocacy, and research.
Winter Park, Colo. - Aug. 5, 2019 - On Monday, August 5th a group of Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) advocates began their hike at 5:00 AM MDT on the Mount Flora Trailhead located just outside of Winter Park, Colorado. Among the climbers was long-time Arlington Heights resident and park district fitness instructor, Liz Blalock. At 75 years old, Liz was the oldest climber in the group, but that didn't daunt her. She was determined to reach the summit with her daughter, Mary Salvi, who was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer when she was 50-years-old during a routine screening. Liz and Mary climbed with other family members and colorectal cancer advocates and are proud to say that they made it to the top together.
"As we approached the top I was overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. My mom has always been a strong role model. She showed immense strength of mind and body in reaching the summit." says Mary. "Even after a week of acclimatizing to the altitude of Denver, at 13,146' summiting Mt Flora was a difficult but rewarding task."
Those who were unable to attend Climb for a Cure participated in a hike, bike, walk, run at their own pace with Fight CRC's virtual climb. This year, there were over 60 virtual climbers and 130 Colorado climbers who raised a total of $89,000 for the fight against colorectal cancer. Funds raised will support those who have recently been diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer with resources, such as Your Guide in the Fight, as well as advocacy efforts to push for policies that support cancer patients and their families.
To learn more about Climb for a Cure visit FightCRC.org/Climb.
About Fight Colorectal Cancer
Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) is a trusted national nonprofit advocacy organization fighting for a cure. It was founded in 2005 by Nancy Roach, a patient advocate who witnessed the need for colorectal cancer advocacy after her mother-in-law's diagnosis. The organization plays an important role in rallying colorectal cancer advocates to action. Fight CRC is known for activism and patient empowerment throughout patient, academic, political, scientific, medical and nonprofit communities. With a mission focused on advocacy, research, and patient education the organization serves advocates in every state of the U.S. and others around the world. Fight CRC is rated Platinum by nonprofit monitoring group GuideStar and is recognized as a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator. Fight CRC is headquartered in Springfield, Mo. To learn more, visit FightCRC.org.