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20 February 2007, 13:12. Vinson, all programs »

BOULDER, Colo.-(Business Wire)-February 20, 2007 - On Jan. 25, 2007, Sean Swarner, a two-time cancer survivor, successfully reached the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. The 16,067-foot climb marked the sixth summit in Swarner`s quest to become the first two-time cancer survivor to mount the highest peak on all seven continents. As tradition follows, since his 2002 summit of Mount Everest, and becoming the first cancer survivor to stand on the world`s highest peak, Swarner planted a flag atop Mount Vinson with the following words: "Dedicated to all those affected by cancer in this small world! Keep climbing!"


"To stand at the top of the highest peak in Antarctica was inspiring," says Swarner. "When you have cancer, you are told of all the things you can`t do or shouldn`t do. That`s one of the main reasons for my seven continent trek around the globe. I want to inspire those with cancer instilling the idea that you can beat the disease and always keep climbing!"

Swarner`s personal story is an inspiration to those with cancer. He is the only person in the world be diagnosed with both Hodgkin`s Disease and Askin`s Sarcoma. He was diagnosed in the final stage of Hodgkin`s Disease at age 13, and doctors expected him to live for only a few months. He overcame his illness to be stricken a second time when a deadly golf ball-sized tumor attacked his right lung. He was told he had less than two weeks to live. Now, a decade later and with only partial use of his lungs, Swarner is accomplishing things that most would never dream possible.

In May 2002, he stood high atop Mount Everest and has since climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Elbrus, Mount Aconcagua, Mount Kosciusko and Mount Vinson. This May, Swarner hopes to summit Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America and complete his seven continent tour. The mission is a key component of the CancerClimber Association, a not-for-profit foundation started by Swarner and his brother in 2001. CancerClimber was founded to help those touched by cancer reach their goals. CancerClimber sponsors Adventure Support Grants and will soon offer the Sean Swarner Scholarship. In return, grant recipients are asked to share their story of cancer survival with cancer patients by visiting hospitals, sharing hope and inspiring them to never give up.

CancerClimber recently partnered with Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), a network of cancer treatment centers and community oncology programs that provide advanced stage cancer patients with comprehensive, patient-centered treatment programs focused on treating the body, mind and spirit. Both organizations share a similar mission to empower those touched by cancer. CTCA served as the title sponsor for Swarner`s Mount Vinson Climb and will also sponsor his Mount Denali expedition.

The Mount Denali summit is scheduled for May 16 to commemorate Swarner`s first summit of Mount Everest on May 16, 2002. To celebrate this event, the CancerClimber Association has launched a fundraising campaign to plant a flag at the summit containing the names of 50,000 people touched by cancer. The goal of the flag campaign is to promote cancer awareness and inspire those affected by cancer all over the world. To make a "Loved One" donation, and register a name on the flag, please visit www.cancerclimber.org or www.seanswarner.com.

About CancerClimber Association

The CancerClimber Association is a unique, not-for-profit organization dedicated to motivating those living with cancer by encouraging patients to inspire each other. Created through Sean Swarner`s vision of summitting Everest and inspiring people across all boundaries, CancerClimber challenges and facilitates cancer survivors to climb their own Everest, thus overcoming their own limitations and mental boundaries. For more information on the events and programs offered by the CancerClimber Association, visit www.cancerclimber.org.

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Founded in 1988, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) provides a comprehensive, patient-centered treatment model that fully integrates traditional, state-of-the-art medical treatments with scientifically-supported complementary and alternative therapies such as nutrition, naturopathy, psychological counseling, physical therapy and spiritual support to meet the special, whole-person needs of advanced-stage cancer patients. With a network of cancer treatment hospitals and community oncology programs in Illinois, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Washington, CTCA encourages patients and their families to participate in treatment decisions with its Patient Empowerment Medicine(SM) model.