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Past History:
Ten years ago a similar project, Cancer Survivors on McKinley, was organized by a group in Soldotna, Alaska. Non-profit status was achieved and a team was assembled. This group of cancer survivors and others affected by cancer were successful in all aspects of the 1997 climb.
 First and foremost, cancer survivors were able to show by example that there is hope, not only that cancer can be overcome, but that physical activities such as climbing can still be pursued.
The selection process was coordinated by Alaska Denali Guiding in Talkeetna, Alaska. Colby Coombs, Caitlin Palmer and Scott Darsney were the guides on this successful climb that not only placed over 300 children with cancer at various camps around the country through contributions, but also placed the entire team of 12 climbers on Denali's summit. Colby and Scott have already committed to participate in this climb as well.
The same selection process will be implemented as it was for the 1997 climb.
Fund-Raising Philosophy:
We will keep the same philosophy for fund-raising on this climb. A non-profit corporation will once again be formed here in Alaska to handle funds donated and ensure they pay tuition for young people with cancer to attend cancer camps. Each team member will be asked to raise $10,000. This money will go to pay for tuition of children with cancer to attend camps specifically provided for them.
Grassroots:
To ensure a grassroots perspective to this climb, we will follow the same guidelines as the '97 Denali climb. All airfare, all gear, all fees incurred on this climb will be paid by the individual climber’s own funds – not from donations - this is not a free climb, a method to acquire gear, or gain the sponsorship of some large company. Hopefully this is a mountain that sounds good to potential team members, a mountain each would pay money out of their own pocket to climb - all the rest, the fundraising and the example of cancer survivors taking on a physical challenge for others, particularly young people, will take this experience beyond a personal goal and challenge. Donations of gear by companies will once again be auctioned and all funds raised from the auctions used for cancer camp tuition. It is our intention to attend the Outdoor Retailers Convention in 2006 to acquire donations of gear to be auctioned.
Camps:
Camp flags will once again be carried to the summit and photographs will be sent to the various camps for campers to see. The idea, again, is to add hope to these young ones during a difficult time. The following camps in the United States will receive donated funds to pay for the tuition of those children needing assistance to attend, especially at such a point when families can use assistance. These camps also allow parents time to deal with the many other concerns – such as medical and insurance - while their child is being taken care of by trained staff and in the company of other young people who are facing a similar experience.
Mount Aspiring:
Mt. Aspiring – Tititea is an icon among New Zealand’s peaks. Known as “The Matterhorn of the South”, located in the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island, Mt. Aspiring is the only 3000 meter peak located outside Mt. Cook National Park. At 3028m, Mt Aspiring is an awesome sight to behold. The three-cornered, snow-capped horn of the summit, shear walls, and exposed ridges rise high above the surrounding peaks. Many believe Mt. Aspiring to be the most beautiful of all of New Zealand’s many peaks.
The Climb:
The climb is spectacular and demanding, the northwest ridge is New Zealand grade 2+ on a scale where grade 3 requires using two ice tools and front points plus snow and ice belays.
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Overview 
Cancer Survivors on Mount Aspiring: 2007