Why Climb? As Rene Dumal said: "You cannot stay on the summit forever, you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least know."

Expedition Inspiration's active adventures are structured to empower and promote the health and well being of all who participate, while increasing the amount of funding available for breast cancer research. Each participant will be helping the cause by donating or raising funds above and beyond the actual costs of the adventure. These funds will be allocated by Expedition Inspiration's distinguished Medical Advisory Committee to cutting-edge projects in breast cancer research, education and patient support.

Although Expedition Inspiration was conceived as a tribute to the courage and determination of breast cancer survivors and to the memories of the thousands of women whose lives were cut short by the disease, anyone can participate. Expedition Inspiration's Adventures are open to women and men of all ages and fitness levels. Participants need to be in good physical shape with lots of positive mentalattitude, but need no previous technical training.

"Anyone can benefit from the influence of the mountain. After a few days high on the rock and snow, all of one's faculties are sharpened. The meadows are so green, the flowers so colorful and the flowing streams so sweet as one descends from the barren world above. There is no room left here for petty worries, depression, or negative thoughts - one is reoriented. Man is as he should be." —Dee Molenaar

In an ongoing effort to help educate and support women and families touched by breast cancer, Expedition Inspiration conducts a series of outdoor activities open to breast cancer survivors, their supporters and loved ones. These active adventures are structured to promote the health and well being of all who participate and to empower survivors so that they will continue their advocacy for the cause and their support of others struggling with this disease.

Additionally, each event is conducted to continue to raise awareness for the cause and to raise funds for breast cancer research. All funds raised above and beyond the cost of the trip are tax deductible. Each climber or hiker is encouraged to raise more money (than the cost to participate), increasing the amount available for grants. The Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research’s distinguished medical board will allocate these funds to specific areas of research that will lead to prevention, an earlier means of detecting the disease and a better way to treat it.