In inspirational news, we recently learned of an effort by cancer survivors to raise funds for the very worthwhile Australian Cancer Research Foundation. They hope to do this by travelling to Everest Base Camp, trekking from there to Island Peak – and raising $1 million.

Image by stevehicks

The campaign is called Remission Possible; its founder, 25-year-old breast cancer survivor Amanda Ghirardello, wants to raise money not only to help prevent, and ultimately cure, cancer, but to show other people with cancer that if they can find the courage to fight the illness, they can have a fantastic, active life. For the vast majority of people, it would be an achievement of a lifetime to go Everest Base Camp trekking; continuing from there to an even higher altitude only two years after a cancer diagnosis is nothing short of phenomenal.

Amanda Ghirardello and other survivors, accompanied by qualified guides, intend to achieve this goal in March 2011. They will trek to Everest Base Camp and, from there, continue on to the 6,200 metre Island Peak.

We wish all the participants a successful and safe fundraising trek. The courageous efforts of extrordinary people like this play a vital role in offering hope and support to victims of cancer and their families.