Two-time Cancer Survivor Summits Denali and Completes Historic Mission to Reach the Seven Continents` Highest Peaks

Everest summit !

Business Wire

On June 19, Sean Swarner, a two-time cancer survivor, successfully reached the summit of Denali, the highest peak in North America. The 20,320-foot climb marked the final summit in Swarner`s quest to become the first two-time cancer survivor to mount the highest peak on all seven continents. Following the tradition he began when he summitted Mount Everest in 2002, when he became the first cancer survivor to stand on the world`s highest peak, Swarner planted a flag atop Denali with the following words: "Dedicated to all those affected by cancer in this small world! Keep climbing!"

Swarner attempted to summit Denali in May 2006, and most recently in May 2007; however extreme weather conditions forced his team to turn back both times. The June 19 summit not only marked the completion of his goal to reach the seven summits, but also proved to be yet another challenge Swarner was able to overcome.

"Surviving cancer is a lot like climbing Denali," says Swarner, 32. "There are numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, but the goal is to never give up. Most people believe that cancer means an end to your life`s travels. The main reason I set this goal was to show those who have cancer that they can beat it and to 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 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 people would never dream possible. In May 2002, Swarner stood high atop Mount Everest, and has since climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Elbrus, Mount Aconcagua, Mount Kosciusko, Mount Vinson and now, Denali.

In 2001, Swarner and his brother founded the CancerClimber Association, a not-for-profit foundation that helps 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.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) has served as Swarner`s sponsor for the Mount Vinson and Denali expeditions. CTCA is a network of cancer treatment centers and community oncology programs that provide complex and 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.

Residence Inn by Marriott was also a sponsor of Swarner`s summit, and provided accommodations for the CancerClimber Association team and family members during the summit climbs.

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.
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After Elbrus