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Sean Swarner

Cancer survivor, mountaineer and recipient of the Don't Ever Give Up Award

He is a two-time cancer survivor who was first diagnosed at age 13 with Hodgkin's Disease and later with Askin's sarcoma. He was given just two weeks to live in 1990 and is believed to be the only person in the world to ever have been diagnosed with both these deadly cancers. Sean told ESPN Radio's Bob Valvano, brother of Jimmy, that he would have been more likely to win the lottery four or five times than to have survived both these cancers.

However, he did survive, although he has only one fully functioning lung due to the removal of a golf ball-sized tumor found with the Askin's diagnoses. He graduated from Willard High School in Willard, Ohio, in 2001

Sean was recently featured on ESPN (July 27, 2007) with a 10 minute segment on his life story and struggle. He established his own foundation (The Cancer Climber Association) which promotes cancer awareness and helps raise money for cancer research. He also authored his book Keep Climbing, which recounts his story and journey from the depths of his near death experience to the peaks he climbed to reach the top of the world 17 years later.

On October 11, 2008, Sean completed the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, HI with a final time of 11:44:15.

(Profile information sourced from Wikipedia and other publicly available internet sources.)

Sean Swarner on the web

Wikipedia: Sean Swarner
Website: Sean Swarner

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Cancer Climber Association

P.O. Box 3051, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Email | Web

Cancer Climber Association

Organization

About

CCA History: Originally founded in 2001 by Sean and his brother Seth, The CancerClimber Association had its sights set on funding cancer research. After contemplation and the realization that it takes many many years for donated money to actually support research, CancerClimber decided that it wanted to help people touched by cancer now, not years down the road. We then focused on hope and giving people the tools needed to overcome cancer with the right attitude and to come out on the other side with a more positive outlook on life. Hope and inspiration is key to the association’s groundwork and foundation. As we continue raising money for the mobile camp, we also have in mind cancer
survivor grants.

Programs

Mobile Camp: The innovative "portable" camp will tour the United States stopping at children's hospitals in twenty-four cities around the country. Every stop will offer a three-day camp providing those touched by cancer with an incredible opportunity to experience life to the fullest. The CCA will offer those participating the chance to climb a portable wall, watch movies, play games, learn about cancer related topics, and listen to Sean as well as other survivors share their stories. The tour will also offer counseling to patients and family. All free of charge.

Adventure Support Grants: The CCA gives cancer survivors the opportunity to do something magnificent by funding adventures similar to Sean's Everest Expedition. The CCA believes by offering this opportunity, the cancer community can provide hope and inspiration within itself by achieving pinnacles they never thought possible. Those battling the disease will see countless survivors climbing their personal "Everests" and acquire the strength and confidence needed to overcome their illness. Knowing that Sean is one person, CancerClimber's objective is to give other survivors the opportunity to circulate inspiration within the cancer community and use those experiences through personal and intimate hospital visits to help directly inspire those touched by cancer.

One-on-One Patient Visits: Whenever Sean delivers a presentation anywhere in the world (or visits a country for an expedition), he tours a local hospital to personally tell his story to those battling cancer. Children, parents, families, friends, doctors and hospital staff, and virtually anyone touched in some way by cancer are influenced by Sean's passion for life.