Climb To Beat Breast Cancer

This June would have been our 15th Climb to Beat Breast Cancer Event. After much thought and discussion, a decision was made to sunset the climb. Over the years, many have embraced this adventure with their whole heart and soul. Together we accomplished so much: we raised a total of $574,630 to support our Breast Care programs, carried 712 prayer flags to the top of 13 mountains, and most importantly established the Maria R. Lucarelli Endowment.

This effort began with Francesco Lucarelli and his 2007 Mt. Kilimanjaro climb in honor of his mother, who passed away in 2001 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Since then, the Climb to Beat Breast Cancer team joined Francesco in scaling many mountains to support women fighting breast cancer.

Francesco reflects on how the climb progressed: "I went out on an individual journey with no idea how many people would be interested and follow. I was overwhelmed by the support and the genuine interest to step up and jump in. We were able to grow a team and a family. Each June, l looked forward to reconnecting somewhere in the U.S. to see how everyone was, what they've been up to, and to share tears and laughs. Just like family, it didn't matter that we may not have seen each other in 365 days; we picked up right where we left off. Thank you all for helping me pay tribute to my mom, to help put some pain behind me, for your unending support, and most of all for your passion and encouragement. You've all inspired me in many ways. Though we may not be sharing future aches and pains together again, we will all be able to look back on those summits and realize that our small struggles have helped to make someone else's real struggles that much more manageable. Thank you all." ~Francesco Lucarelli

When we created the Maria R. Lucarelli Endowment, we established a goal to secure $1 million. We will continue to raise funds and hope we can count on your support. You can donate here.