Worthy Cause: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

March 15, 2005

Dear Family, Friends, & Colleagues:

In summer of 2005, I will team up with a group of climbers formed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to participate in a unique event called the Climb to Fight Breast Cancer. Climbers from around the country will participate by climbing a variety of peaks including Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, or Mt. Kilimanjaro. I will climb Mt. Adams, and in doing so, will raise crucial funds and awareness for breast cancer research. All proceeds will benefit Fred Hutchinson.

In its first seven years, the Climb has raised over $1.25 million for breast cancer research, while generating much needed awareness about the disease. Each member of my summit team is responsible for raising a minimum of $3,000 for Fred Hutchinson. By sponsoring me, you will support the Hutch’s fight to eliminate breast cancer.

I am respectfully asking for donations for whatever you feel you can contribute. Please make your check payable to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), but mail it directly to me, as I am committed to raising the minimum of $1,500 by April 1, 2005 and $3,000 in total to participate in the climb. You may also make donations online at https://ssl.charityweb.net/fhcrc/climb/index.htm.

Mount Adams is an active stratovolcano that towers at 12,276 Feet in the High Cascade Range of southwest Washington State. It is the second tallest peak in the continental Northwest United States. I will be doing extensive training and fundraising this coming spring to help accomplish the 2005 Climb to Fight Breast Cancer’s collective goal – to raise over $250,000 for breast cancer research.

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is on the forefront of breast cancer research. It relies on the private sector to bring in dollars for scientists to develop cutting-edge studies. Traditional funding, such as from the National Institutes of Health, typically does not support these initial research projects. Funds raised through special events provide seed money for Fred Hutchinson scientists and researchers to launch new studies. This seed money enables scientists to develop preliminary findings, a necessary first step before they are eligible to compete for large-scale research awards. Proceeds from the 2005 Climb will directly benefit these types of breast cancer studies, called pilot studies, at Fred Hutchinson.

With your help, and the ongoing work of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center scientists, we will be one step closer to eliminating breast cancer as a cause of human suffering and death. Thank you for your support!

Warmest Regards,


Kathleen Steinle
1524 Swann Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
kasteinle@yahoo.com