About

It all started when…

In 2004 Jodi Buerger was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her brother Andy wanted to do something to help and began searching around the world for the most cutting edge breast cancer research he could find. It turns out, he found it in his backyard, at the Johns Hopkins University, where Dr. Alicia Emmens was pioneering research in the still-young field of immunology.

At the time, Dr. Emmens was working to create a breast cancer vaccine, and when Andy asked her what she needed, she said: money to fill in the gaps that government and foundations don’t fund. 

Unfortunately, Jodi didn’t survive, but her passing spurred Andy to turn pain into a passion. 

On a mountain climbing trip to Pico de Orizaba in Mexico later that year, the idea came to Andy, to raise money by taking people up mountains. The challenge of summiting a big mountain is an apt metaphor for the struggles endured by women affected by breast cancer. 

In 2008, tragedy struck again, as Andy’s wife Jen was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Climb for Hope then expanded our efforts and the scope of our funding to include MS research, and we expanded our partnership with the experts at Johns Hopkins University.

Since 2007, Climb For Hope has taken over 250 people safely up summits around the world, raising approximately $750,000 for early stage research. Our trips have grown into transformational experiences for people affected by disease, as well as their friends, and family. 

We view our funding as “angel investing” for cancer and MS research, because we support early stage research — something researchers often struggle to find funding for. 

In 2018, we began including Grand Canyon crossings, which are now some of our most popular fundraising expeditions. In 2019, we began including Paddle For Hope trips on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Northern Minnesota. 

Our expeditions are filled with a wide range of “good people.” Some are recovering from devastating disease, some are outdoor enthusiasts, and some simply want to make a difference. If you want a transformative experience with positive people, a renewal through the power of nature, or help healing from the devastations of disease, join us.

Climb For Hope is an all volunteer organization, and a community of caring, passionate people. A HUGE thank you to our climbers, trip leads, organizers, volunteers, and donors. 

You give us hope.