| Welcome to the Climb For Research!
The Climb For Research has raised more than $375,000 since it’s inception through six organized climb expeditions to Mt. Shasta and one to Mt. Rainier. Our climb team has set their team goal at $100,000. View their fundraising pages and please support their efforts!
THE CHALLENGE
Climbers will be undertaking a strenuous personal and group training regime that will help prepare them physically and mentally for a summit attempt at 14,000 feet on June 8! Additionally climbers will be promoting liver wellness and organ donor awareness by mounting their own on-line fundraising appeals to raise a minimum of $2,000 in pledges for the American Liver Foundation. Our average climber will typically exceed this goal by raising more than $3,000!
THE EXPERIENCE
Mt. Shasta is the second highest volcano in the U.S. This magnificent mountain rises 14,161 feet and at its base, is more than 17 miles in diameter. Eight superb glaciers, California’s largest, adorn its flanks. It’s going to be beautiful and it’s going to be challenging! Climbers will begin their ascent on Sat. June 7th from Bunny Flat Trailhead at 7,000 feet with 40lb packs. Arriving at base camp at 9,000 feet the climb team will participate in “snow school”. Snow School will include a refresher course in the use of equipment in snow conditions: ice axe and, crampons, step kicking and cutting, pace setting, zig-zagging, extensive self-arrest practice in all forms and even more practice while roped together in small groups. After lots of horsing around, snow fights and a camp supper the team will be resting in their tents by about 7:00PM. Climbers will awaken around 1:00AM to a high-carbo camp breakfast and begin a very long day. The going will get very tough during these 12 hours on the mountain- this is where the mental game couples with the physical challenges of high altitude and fatigue. Once the summit attempt has been made and if snow conditions are right climbers will have the time of their life “glissading” back to base camp. Upon their arrival back to Bunny Flats the ALF staff will meet and greet them with a refreshing tailgate picnic. Later that evening the team will assemble for a “Victory Dinner” amidst the glory of great personal achievement and fantastic tales of Mt. Shasta!
THE RESEARCH
The American Liver Foundation is the largest supporter of liver disease research outside of the federal government. Since 1979 our competitive Research Awards Program has granted more that $21.3M to more than 650 scientists. These grants have encouraged young scientists and physicians to build careers in liver research and treatment. Our grants have also enabled recipients to successfully compete for additional research funds from the NIH and other sources, and – thereby – enhance our progress towards improved prevention, detection and treatment options. The northern California chapter has funded more than $4M in research grants to UC Davis, UCSF, and Stanford medical center.
In fact pioneering studies funded by the ALF have demonstrated the principal feasibility of liver cell therapy in patients. Research is exploring the very real possibility of specific hepatocyte replacement rather than whole organ transplant in achieving a therapeutic effect in many liver diseases.
The ALF also highlights the critical role that the liver plays in nearly all aspects of drug development and research. After all, the liver has rejected more drugs than the FDA. Consequently the research the ALF supports is also vitally important to the entire biotechnology and pharmaceutical drug development community.
THE REASON
30 million women, men and children are affected by one of more than 100 diseases of the liver which include viral, genetic and metabolic issues. In fact, many forms of liver disease have no symptoms and cannot be detected without screening. Liver disease is now one of the top ten causes of death in the U.S. and is now among the top seven for adults between the ages of 25-64—claiming more than 27,000 lives every year. Transplantation is often the treatment of last resort.
The leading cause of chronic liver disease in the U.S. – and a significantly growing cause of liver cancer – is hepatitis B and C. And the reality is that liver disease can be traced to a variety of causes related to family history, reactions to drugs and chemicals, social behavior and hygiene. Your Liver, Your Life.
THE AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION
The American Liver Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for liver health promotion and disease prevention. Our essential preventive liver wellness education and information programs reach patients, the public and medical professionals.
www.liverfoundation.org | 