CELEBRITIES AND PUBLIC HIT THE TRAIL AT 11th ANNUAL EXPEDITION INSPIRATION TAKE-A-HIKE TO RAISE MONEY FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

Event Raises More Than $70,000 for Breast Cancer Research at UCLA AND USC

Some 500 hikers snaked through the Santa Monica Mountains at the 11th Annual Take-A-Hike

The 11th Annual Expedition Inspiration Take-A-Hike at Paramount Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Agoura, California on Saturday, October 14, 2006, offered picturesque vistas of the shimmering Pacific Ocean, a glimpse of a Western movie set, warm camaraderie with fellow hikers and the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities Farah Fath (“Days of Our Lives”) and fitness expert Kathy Smith, who both led hikes.  Téa Leoni (“Fun With Dick and Jane” and “Spanglish”), and Jeanne Tripplehorn (“Big Love”) served on the honorary committee but were unable to attend the hike for the first time in years due to work commitments.

In spite of rain the night before, some 500 hikers turned out and enjoyed a silent auction, an array of delicious food and live musical entertainment by Unkle Monkey and the gospel group the Tim Peterson Singers. 

The event raised more than $70,000 for the Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research, and the Revlon/UCLA and USC/Norris Lee Breast Centers, through UCLA’s Jonsson and the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Centers.  According to the American Cancer Society, more than 260,000 women and more than 1,600 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

“The event was very successful, and we are extremely grateful to all of our participants and to those who helped support their endeavors,” said Chair Teri Roseman, herself a breast cancer survivor.  “We are already looking forward to next year’s hike.” 

Held in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Take-A-Hike is designed to raise awareness about the disease and to pay tribute to those who have fought, or are still fighting breast cancer.  Event sponsors include Backpacker Magazine, be bars, Beautiful Soaps & Co., Energy Club, Gelson's, Hawk Signage, Insta Graphic Systems, IZZE, La Brea Bakery, LAN, Mentor Corp., The North Face, Privé, Realitee, Realtee Clothing Company, Wood Investments, Wild Oats, Zamboo, Volvic, Whole Foods, Wild Oats, Zamboo Design, Talia & Tom Block & Family and Phyllis Bratmon.

Expedition Inspiration was founded in 1993 by breast cancer survivor, Laura Evans to raise awareness and research funds, as well as educate and support those affected by the disease. Through treks, hikes and other outdoor activities, the fund has donated over $2 million to the cause.  Expedition Inspiration also promotes the physical and mental well being of breast cancer survivors. Since its inception, Expedition Inspiration has been instrumental in helping to call attention to the breast cancer epidemic and the urgent need to find a cure.

For information on Expedition Inspiration’s Annual Take-A-Hike, please call (213) 486-4558 or visit www.eitakeahike.org.