In 1989, I bike toured Grand Teton National Park with a group of high school friends from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  I immediately recognized this three-week-long maiden voyage “out west” as a turning point in my life.  I connected with the mountainous landscape; identified with the independent “western spirit”; and welcomed the challenges associated with the lifestyle.

Securing seasonal employment at an outdoor education school, I returned to the Snake River Valley in Wyoming the following two summers.  Both seasons continually gifted me with countless formative experiences and priceless memories.  I didn't know at the time how critical this transitional chapter in my life would become as life unveiled its “unpredictables.”

Midway through summer 1991, uninvited news sent shock waves from Pennsylvania to Wyoming:  my Mum had a recurrence of breast cancer.  Across the miles, she assured me that she was fine and insisted that I finish my work season:  “I wasn’t going to tell you my news, because I knew that you’d worry.  You must promise me to stay there and follow your heart…I’ll be fine and will look forward to seeing you when you return home.”  Her words still ring in my ears.  Her sincere request and heartfelt sentiments spoke a selfless love, inner strength, and raw belief whose voice I was just becoming acquainted with at age 20.

Over the next six months, life presented a series of undesired and seemingly unfair circumstances and an undeniable and unexplainable reality.  My Mum, Carole Liberatore, died at a young 50 years old.  Initially, her passing unquestionably stirred the whole gamut of emotions associated with losing a beloved.  Ultimately, her passing gave me a deeper appreciation, understanding, acceptance, and passion for life.  Ten years after my Mum’s passing, I began to celebrate and share these gifts via an annual fundraising event in the Tetons.

Working as a climbing guide for Exum Mountain Guides in the Teton Range provided an ideal venue and framework for such a breast cancer fundraising climbing event.   Translated as “the grand breast,” the “Grand Teton” offers a lighthearted “tongue-in-cheek” twist to an empowering mountain climbing endeavor with a philanthropic focus.  The event invites participants to intimately live the metaphor drawn between “climbing mountains” and “overcoming life obstacles”—such as the fight against breast cancer.  It is a six-day event rooted with a fundamental goal of raising monies and awareness for breast cancer and a cancer survivorship wellness program for women. The team event is open to everyone, and provides participants with countless opportunities to give, receive, and share.

In 2002, I voluntarily organized and led the first “Grand Teton Climb for Life.”  Idaho Public Television filmed and aired a 30-minute documentary, “Teton Inspiration.”  In 2003, another team of committed individuals dedicated their time and energy to make a difference.  The 2004 event attracted national attention from the “Jane Pauley Show,” and an hour-long show aired last August.  Within three years, the program collectively raised roughly $80,000 for Expedition Inspiration and the HERA Foundation (two research/outreach non-profit organizations).

Ironically, in August 2003, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32.  Viewed as a “model of health” by others, I stood uncomfortably vulnerable in the spotlight of a disease that knows no boundaries and shows no discrimination.  This threatening reality shook my core, but I felt equipped to confidently, proactively and positively handle this unpredictable reality in my own style….  I climbed a desert tower the day before my surgery.  I roller-bladed to and from my first three-month chemotherapy appointments.  I skied daily throughout my second three-month chemotherapy regime.  I guided the 2004 “Grand Teton Climb for Life” team to the summit of the Grand Teton three months after my treatment ended.  I ate healthfully before, during, and after treatment.  I redefined the strengths found in laughter and love.

During my health crisis, I became aware of a program entitled “Food for Life.”  It is an eight-class cooking series focused on nutrition and cancer prevention.  The message the program is promoting is simple: eating a healthy vegetable derived diet allows one to proactively participate and positively affect one’s overall wellness.  I am aligned with this message, and sincerely believe practicing this diet has enabled me to remain healthy and continue to pursue my passions, perform professionally, and maintain my lifestyle.  I look forward to sharing this testimony and belief via instructing the “Food for Life” cooking classes along the Rocky Mountain corridor.  It is just another layer in my desire to live a long healthy life. 

I never imagined that I’d be wearing the shoes that I am today.  This life experience, like all others, has undoubtedly influenced, redirected, and touched me in ways that I will continue to reconcile and recognize.  However, I continue to follow my heart and walk the path I choose despite the shoes on my feet, and encourage you to as well!

Read more testimonials and survivor stories
Donate to The Cancer Project

The Web site does not provide medical or legal advice.
This site is for information purposes only.
Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy