CLIMB FOR A CURE

MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho students successfully scaled Stevens Peak, a prominent peak in northern Idaho, to place prayer flags bearing the names of local survivors and victims of cancer.

At 6,838 feet, Stevens Peak is one of the highest peaks in the Saint Joe Mountains of the Bitterroot Range, but is not tall by Idaho standards. However, with spring snow conditions, the mountain’s steep north ridge, corniced summit and 4,000-foot climb, it can be a great challenge and learning experience for fledgling mountaineers. Eleven students, from the University of Idaho Women’s Outdoor Programs, and a mountaineering class, summited the peak last week.

“I reached the top of Steven’s Peak just two weeks before I graduated from college," said Adrienne Boland, who received a degree in Resource Recreation and Tourism. "The physical and mental anguish endured through this experience was far greater than any academic challenge I have come across, and getting the prayer flags to the top made it even more worthwhile."   

The “Climbing for a Cure” program was conceived last fall through the UI Women’s Center in conjunction with Outdoor Programs. Jessica Helsley and Pam Rogers, outdoor programmers for the Women’s Center, initiated the program. Both groups have collected flags and donations throughout the year. The flags are created by the donor and convey a message, prayer, memorial or inspirational quote inscribed on the flag through art and words. The flags are then flown on a significant peak or during an event. Prayer flags have been used for thousands of years to send prayers, messages and blessings through the wind. 

“Climbing mountains takes courage, just like fighting cancer does. This has been a great program that combines an educational experience with a social cause like cancer, which has affected and touched so many people's lives," said Mike Beiser, class instructor and Outdoor Program Coordinator. “I'm proud to have been a part of it." 

All funds raised are given to the American Cancer Society to aid in the fight against cancer. This year, more than $200 was raised. Beiser said they plan to keep the “Climbing for a Cure” program active, and hopefully grow it in years to come.   

Student climbers, all of whom graduated from the University of Idaho this year, included: Dan Turner, Bear Lake; Eric Barnett, Mentor, Ohio; Ryan Beck,  Adrienne Boland, Moscow; Brian Claypool, Moscow; Forrest Hannan, Anchorage, Alaska; Sam Hensold, Tum Tum, Wash.; Ashley Niles, Olympia, Wash.; Patrick Riffie, Emmett; Justin Staab, and Aaron Teats, Kooskia. 

For more information about the University's Outdoor Programs, visit www.campusrec.uidaho.edu/outdoor.