COURAGEOUS MOMS TO SCALE SHASTA FOR BREAST CANCER PREVENTION


Climbers Strive to Reduce Cancer Risk for Next Generation

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 11, 2007 --/WORLD-WIRE/-- For most mothers of small children, Mother's Day was a day of well-earned relaxation and recuperation. Not for Johanna Malen and Rachel Swain.

Instead, these Bay Area moms spent the weekend scaling rocks using crampons and ice axes and learning how to self-arrest after headlong slides down a mountain face. They are undergoing snow training as part of a team of 40 breast cancer survivors, mothers and others who will attempt to climb the 14,162 foot Mount Shasta this July, in support of the Breast Cancer Fund. Together, the team hopes to raise over $500,000 for breast cancer prevention. The Breast Cancer Fund is the only national breast cancer organization focused on identifying - and eliminating - the environmental causes of breast cancer.

For Malen, 41, of San Rafael, the climb is both about her mother, who is battling breast cancer, and about protecting her daughter, who is almost three. "My mother is my world. I wanted to honor her by taking action to make a positive impact. The breast cancer statistics are staggering but I will do whatever I can to protect my daughter."

Swain, 35, of San Francisco, is dedicating the climb to her sons, ages three and one. She says her concern about the long-term effects of chemicals her children are exposed to led her to commit to the climb. "I have to give them the best chance I can for a long and healthy life," she says. "If that means getting up at midnight to crunch through snow in a howling wind till my quads scream, I'll do it."

Recently, laboratory tests revealed that 1,4-Dioxane, a petrochemical known to cause cancer in animals and suspected by state and federal regulators to cause cancer in humans, was found in dozens of children's bath products. Rubber ducks, children's lunchboxes, and baby bottles are among other children's products that may contain chemicals that scientists believe pose serious health hazards. Breast Cancer Fund advocates for the elimination of toxic chemicals from everyday products through scientific research, legislative advocacy, and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

On July 13, 2007, the Climb Against the Odds Team will rise at midnight and climb through snow and ice for a grueling 10-12 hours before attempting the summit. The descent to base camp will take another six to eight hours. This is the Breast Cancer Fund's eighth fundraising mountain climb, and it will be supervised by expert guides. All participants commit to a rigorous training regimen, including snow school, and to raising at least $5,000.

To support the climbers visit www.breastcancerfund.org/climb07 or call (866) 760-8223 to learn about how you can climb in 2008.

CONTACT:
Dana Oshiro
Breast Cancer Fund
415-346-8223
dana@breastcancerfund.org