The fourth annual HERA Climb for Life Las Vegas held February 25 – 26, more than doubled last year’s fundraising effort. The two-day climbing event raised just over $22,000 in cash for the HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation. Last year the event raised $10,000. A portion of the funds will remain in Las Vegas with the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Nevada. There were 125 participants at the Red Rock Climbing Center on West Charleston Blvd. on Saturday and a group of 19 climbers climbed for life in Red Rock Canyon with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides on Sunday.

Funds were raised through sponsors, registrations fees, and climbers that secured personal sponsorships. Those who raised over $250.00 for HERA were entered into a gear raffle. The top fundraisers were Stephanie Forte, who raised $1,750, Lori Corona who raised $1,650, Allison Bananno who raised $1,250 and Erin Sawhill who raised $800.

Professional rock climbers from around the United States were on hand teaching clinics. Former national champion climbing Tiffany Campbell taught nearly 40 how to climb. Legendary rock climber Chris Sharma, who is known throughout the world for climbing the world’s more difficult rock climbs and raising the international competition standards, made a surprise appearance and signed posters for participants.

The HERA Foundation is a registered 501© 3, whose mission is to stop the loss of mothers, daughters, wives, sisters and girlfriends from ovarian cancer by empowering women to take control of their health, empowering the medical community to find new directions in ovarian cancer research and empowering communities to provide support. For more information visit wwwclimb4life.org.

Stephanie Forte, Forte Creative Media