Help Whitney Climb Mt. Rainier for Fred Hutch Cancer Research (11. February 2010, 09:03 by Derek Young) ~ Pretty Please

Many of you know Whitney. Whitney Rhodes was a regular writer and editor here at Exit133 for quite some time. She’s a graduate of UWT. She’s been involved with several boards and advisory committees around Tacoma. She was a Pierce County Planning Commissioner and now works part time for County Councilmember Tim Farrell when she’s not working with us at Seasonal View. And, the word on the street is that she will be named the president of the Downtown Merchant Group next month.

What most people don’t know about Whitney is how she spends her weekends. She is currently training to climb Mt. Rainier in order to raise money for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Climb to Fight Breast Cancer. Why? Because her story is a bit more complicated and we hope you can help.

A few years ago Whitney learned that she has the genetic mutation known as BRCA1. The BRCA1 mutation is linked to an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers and is something she shares with the other women in her family. Her mom battled cancer 14 years ago and Whitney has been her caregiver as the battle continued anew in 2009. Her sister was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in her early thirties. What we mean when we say “increased risk” is an 80% chance of developing breast cancer in one’s lifetime. Think about that for a moment.

As you may imagine, cancer research is very important to this family and Fred Hutch has been on the forefront of cancer research for several decades.

How can you help? Whitney is the captain of a four women team looking to summit Mt. Rainier in July with the help of Fred Hutch and the pros at Alpine Ascents International. They’re looking to raise at least $20,000. Every dollar donated goes to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Every dollar counts.

Can you help? For more information or to donate, visit Whitney’s info page at fhcrc.org or DONATE NOW.

Thank you.