I've joined Climb for Hope, an expedition of 21 members who are climbing Cotopaxi in Ecuador (19,400ft) January 2007 to raise funds to fight breast cancer.

The expedition's goal is $100,000 and my personal goal is a minimum of $10,000. My sister, Sarah, has had breast cancer twice and my cousin Patsy was diagnosed and had a mastectomy last summer. Breast cancer touches too many of our sisters, mothers, wives, and friends. With your support, we can turn cutting-edge research led by Dr. Leisha Emens of Johns Hopkins University into a life-saving vaccine. Since it builds on a woman's own immune system, the vaccine has few side effects, and clinical trials have been very promising. The funds raised by Climb for Hope will cover the costs of producing this vaccine, a cost not covered by federal research grants.

Please check out Climb For Hope for more information on the expedition and the research. You can click on this link for fabulous photos of Cotopaxi . The mountain's extreme altitude makes it a major endurance challenge, an appropriate symbol for the uphill battle women with breast cancer face.

Please give generously - your gift honors all the women in your life. Thank you. Laura