Purpose
The purpose of The Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research is to raise awareness and monies to benefit breast cancer research through research project funding, public education, and patient support. Additionally, through organized and sponsored outdoor endeavors, Expedition Inspiration promotes the physical and mental well being of breast cancer survivors. Since its inception in 1993, Expedition Inspiration has been instrumental in calling attention to the breast cancer epidemic and the urgent need to find a cure.

History
In 1990, Laura Evans ended her seventh week in isolation during a bone marrow transplant to fight a stage 3 breast cancer. During her personal struggle, she developed the idea of forming a team of breast cancer survivors and others to climb a mountain to raise awareness and financial support to fight breast cancer. It would be a visible tribute to the courage of breast cancer survivors everywhere.

From this spark of an idea came the plan to climb Argentina's Mt. Aconcagua, which, at 22,841 feet, is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. In January 1995, Laura Evans and Peter Whittaker, a premier international mountain guide and founder of Summits Adventure Travel, led a team of 17 breast cancer survivors to the top of Aconcagua, raising awareness, research funds, and hope for the breast cancer cause.

With the triumph of Aconcagua, Laura and her team were able to send a powerful message about the determination of women everywhere to fight what is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in America. From this initial effort, there have been several successful expeditions, various hikes, special events, speeches and fund raising activities across the U.S. These important works have allowed Expedition Inspiration to fund numerous research projects and to host the important "high energy" discussions and sharing activities that occur during EIFBCR's annual research symposium.

Organization

    * The organization is governed by a broad-based Board of Directors who lend their time and talents without renumeration to ensure that Expedition Inspiration's activities and excellent reputation will continue to fund important breast cancer research projects throughout the world.

    * To help determine the most vital projects to lend financial support, Expedition Inspiration's Board of Directors is advised by a medical board of experts in cancer research, diagnosis and therapy.

    * Thousands of women and men across the United States and overseas have been inspired by the efforts of Expedition Inspiration. Hundreds of these individuals have joined the Expedition Inspiration "team" as volunteers to help raise more funds and to keep spreading Expedition Inspiration's positive message.

    * Each year, Expedition Inspiration's distinguished medical board, with input from it's advocate board, reviews promising research activities by cancer investigators across the country to determine where to lend financial support. The board considers basic science projects that target the cause, cure, prevention and earlier detection of breast cancer; projects that seek to improve the quality of life of patients; projects which explore new and alternative treatment, and projects that increase public awareness, among others.