Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8

DEAR FRIENDS,
As I enjoy the Holiday Season, I am reflecting on Expedition Inspiration and the year that has gone by and what I want to share with you, our partners and donors, is that EI is kicking!

Here are four highlights for me… and, they are only a small part of all that has been happening.

First, attending the Annual Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium; actually sitting in on the final day’s consensus discussion, hearing the challenging debate, sensing the collegiality and commitment of these brilliant minds gathered to explore what the next, new opportunity for breakthrough research might be and how these world renowned scientists can WORK TOGETHER to achieve progress. The experience only re-enforced
the importance of EI’s mission and the great work of the Medical Advisory Board; Chair, Angela DeMichele, MD, MSCE, and Expedition Inspiration’s Scientific Advisor, Marc Lippman, MD. You, our generous donors, can take credit for providing seed funding for some of the recent, new discoveries in understanding this disease and developing better treatment methods that has led to the significant drop in mortality rates. Based on what I experienced, you can be sure your contributions will fund the next wave of advancements as well.

Second, participating in Expedition Inspiration’s Castle Peak Climb and seeing Advisory Board member, Courtney Kapp achieve her goal of climbing the five highest peaks near Sun Valley, Idaho in five years – Courtney rocks! For me, carrying a prayer flag to the summit to honor the courageous women (and men) who joined founder Laura Evans and Peter Whittaker on the first Expedition Inspiration climb of Mt. Aconcagua thirteen years ago is always a reminder of how blessed those of us are who survive, how much I miss those who have not survived, and that “Until there is a cure, there will be a climb!”

Third, meeting with nearly all the members of the Aconcagua Climb in Aspen this September for one of our many reunions; the relationships that formed as a result of breast cancer and the Aconcagua Climb – was awesome. The bond only grows stronger. Expedition Inspiration has been, and will continue to be, a source of healing, strength, courage and joy for all who are part of the work… in whatever capacity!

Fourth, getting to know and love our new Board Members. The past two years have been a time of tremendous growth for Expedition Inspiration. We have recruited, what I think of, as our next generation of “BC warriors.” Suzanne Mulenos, Evie Sauers, Kathryn Hendrickson, Robert Vestal, MD, Andrew Johnston, Juli Watson, MSN, CRNP and Stephanie Olson have brought energy, talent, focus and huge commitment to the organization. Never have we had a Board as active and committed as we have today. Credit for getting us here goes to our Chair, Heidi Mickelson. Thank you, Heidi.

Please read this newsletter. Experience the energy – Moonlight Snowshoeing, Take-A-Hikes, public forums, and recent research grants made – all in our effort to find a cure while enhancing the lives of those diagnosed now. As Laura Evans would say, “Expedition Inspiration Kicks Ice!”

A special thank you, to you, our generous donors, as it is YOU, who have made this tremendous progress possible!

Until there is a cure, there is a climb…

Nancy Knoble
Vice Chair, Board of Directors