RECORD NUMBER OF HIKERS PARTICIPATE IN EXPEDITION INSPIRATION’S THIRD ANNUAL NEW HAMPSHIRE TAKE-A-HIKE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2006 at MT. MAJOR

Event Raises Over $15,000. for Breast Cancer Research at The Norris Cotton Cancer Center In affiliation with The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and to Benefit The Expedition Inspiration Fund.

A sunny and crisp fall morning greeted hardy hikers of all ages and fitness levels, as they hit the trail for Expedition Inspiration’s Third Annual New Hampshire Take-A-Hike, held at Mt. Major, near Alton Bay on Sunday, October 8, 2006.  The event offered beginning, intermediate and advanced trails, rewarding all hikers with spectacular views, from the mountain summit, of Lake Winnepesaukee and the surrounding lakes, waterways, and mountains.   Hikers from New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Maine and Massachusetts participated in this wonderful event in the great outdoors.

The Hike raised funds for The Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research and The Norris Cotton Cancer Center.  Dr. Peter A. Kaufman, Associate Professor of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology) at The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is the recipient of the funds at Norris Cotton.  He thanked those supporting his research, spoke of on-going research and patient programs available through the Center, and enjoyed the beautiful hike. 

Hikers were greeted by tunes playing from the bright yellow van from 98.7 THE BAY.  Popular morning DJ, Lindsey Robbins, and her co-worker, Emily Cherin welcomed hikers and cheered them on, as they began their trek up Mt. Major.  A highlight of the morning was the appearance of the newly crowned Mrs. New Hampshire, Jessica Plante, who graciously spoke of her commitment to the cause, “Like so many others, I have loved ones who have been affected by this awful disease and I feel it is so important to raise funds for a cure!  I am pleased to be a part of Expedition Inspiration’s New Hampshire Take-A-Hike to benefit important research at Norris Cotton Cancer Center.”   Expedition Inspiration provided an information table about the Fund and its programs.  A raffle was held, offering great prizes such as ski passes, dinners, spa packages, and outdoor products, while raising additional funds for research.  All participants carried personal Expedition Inspiration Tribute Flags, flown in the Tibetan tradition, to honor those who have battled the disease.
  
The New Hampshire Take-A-Hike, held in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is structured to raise awareness about the disease and to pay tribute to those who have fought, or are still fighting breast cancer. The Expedition Inspiration Fund For Breast Cancer Research 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 towards research. 

Special thank you to the City Year New Hampshire volunteers, who led the hikers up Mt. Major.  The Third Annual New Hampshire Take-A-Hike was a success because of the vision and hard work of our fabulous Hike co-chairs, Jenn Moynihan of Dover and Melissa Waterhouse, of Portsmouth, and their steering committee.   Thank you all for making this hike the best ever! 

Many thanks to our event sponsors: Backpacker Magazine, The North Face, be Bars-exclusively at Target Stores, Prive, Genentech BioOncology, Poland Springs Water, Attitash Bear Peak, Timberland Company, flatbread, and E’s T’s.