Orange County Rock Climbs at Sender One to Fight Ovarian Cancer

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Aug. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- The HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation (http://www.herafoundation.org/), a nationally recognized ovarian cancer nonprofit, and Sender One Climbing (http://www.senderoneclimbing.com/) will guide dozens of rock climbers at the 1^st Annual Climb4Life^SM California (http://www.herafoundation.org/c4l-ca-2014/) on Sept. 12 and 13. Climb4Life brings together beginner and expert climbers, ovarian cancer survivors, their families and supporters to rock climb and raise funds for ovarian cancer research and awareness.

The two-day event will feature climbing, yoga, fitness training, bouldering clinics, prizes, giveaways and a silent auction. Participants will have the opportunity to chat with Mad Rock pro-athlete Sarah Pearce (http://www.madrockclimbing.com/team/athlete.asp?_aid=1070) and pro-climber/American Ninja Warrior Natalie Duran (http://ndtitanlady.dpmblogs.com/tag/natalie-duran/) for climbing and fitness tips.

“It’s an honor to be the first to host this exceptional social-impact, fundraising event in California,” said Alice Kao, Sender One partner. “We know Orange County climbers will translate their passion for climbing into action by coming out to help us raise awareness about this disease.”  Sender One is owned and designed by the world’s most iconic rock climber, Chris Sharma, and is located in Santa Ana, Calif.

Registration is open through Aug. 22 for $40 ($50 thereafter) and includes all activities plus a HERA goodie bag and event shirt. All participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $250 to support HERA’s mission. Climb4Life^S CA aims to raise $30,000 in its first year for HERA’s scientific research and community grants. To register for the climb, visit:www.herafoundation.org/c4l-ca-2014/.

“Climb4Life began in 2001 while founder Sean Patrick recovered from her seventh ovarian cancer surgery,” said Meg Steitz, executive director for HERA. “She wanted to use her passion for the outdoors to help resolve the lack of awareness, information, and funding for ovarian cancer. Thirteen years later, we are still working to accomplish her dream and there is no better place to see her vision in action than Climb4Life California.”

The American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovariancancer/detailedguide/...) estimates that in 2014 about 21,980 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer and about 14,270 women will die from the disease. Currently, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer.

Since 2002, HERA has raised and awarded almost $1 million for scientific research grants and community awareness grants to battle the disease. Of the funds raised through Climb4Life and other initiatives, 88 percent provides for HERA’s programs such as its scientific research and community grants, as well as other education and awareness initiatives for ovarian cancer. HERA is sponsored by leaders in the outdoor industry including REI, Petzl, Women's Adventure Magazine, Arc'Teryx, Marmot, and Stonewear Designs, among others (http://www.herafoundation.org/sponsors/sponsor-list/). For more information, visit www.herafoundation.org.

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About the HERA Foundation

Established in 2002, the HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to stop the loss of women from ovarian cancer by promoting Health, Empowerment, Research, and Awareness. As a nationally recognized ovarian cancer organization, HERA provides funding for cutting-edge research grants to scientists at respected medical institutions. In so doing, HERA attracts more young researchers to expand the scientific understanding of ovarian cancer while improving the lives of those battling the disease. In addition, HERA awards grants to local community groups to raise awareness about the disease in novel and unusual ways. More information is available at www.herafoundation.org.

About Sender One Climbing

Sender One is the first indoor rock climbing facility owned and designed by the world’s most iconic rock climber, Chris Sharma. The indoor facility offers climbing, yoga, fitness and Funtopia, a colorful and interactive area with challenges for children of all ages. Sender One is located in Orange County, Santa Ana, Calif. For more information, visit senderoneclimbing.com.