The annual “Climb Against the Odds” fundraiser is officially returning to the slopes of Mount Shasta this June, uniting breast cancer survivors and advocates for a multi-day mountaineering expedition. Organized by Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), the event is a physical challenge as well as a fundraising platform to support cancer prevention research and public awareness initiatives.
The signature event invites individuals from across the country to ascend the 14,179-foot California volcano. Participants include those who have personally battled the disease, as well as individuals climbing to honor friends and family members impacted by cancer. According to campaign information published by BCPP, the event has successfully raised over $10 million for breast cancer prevention since its inception.
The logistical execution of the high-altitude trek relies heavily on local guiding infrastructure. Longtime mountain guide Rich Meyer announced via a personal blog update that he will once again be leading participants up the peak in partnership with Shasta Mountain Guides. Meyer, who has assisted with the event for more than two decades, noted that the annual charity climb remains the foundational anchor of his guiding schedule every summer.
To maximize the impact of the event, Meyer is attempting to raise $3,000 for the organization this season, pledging his personal guiding wages to the cause. Teams and individual participants commit to steep fundraising milestones ahead of the expedition to help meet BCPP’s broader operational goals.
The three-day itinerary provides participants with comprehensive field instruction, including basic snow school training on ice axe handling, crampon usage, and roped glacier travel. Because no prior mountaineering experience is required to join the event, the structure allows non-climbers to safely navigate the steep terrain while contributing to a common cause. Detailed routing decisions for the final summit push will be determined by guide staff closer to the launch date based on local snowpack and mountain weather conditions.
To learn more about Shasta Mountain Guides, visit their website.
