Did you know 40 percent of the population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during each person's lifetime? Even for those who manage to beat the disease, the fight with cancer is never truly over. That's where organizations like the Cancer Wellness House come in. On July 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Cancer Wellness House is hosting its annual Survivors at the Summit benefit at Snowbird. Everyone is invite to join them for a pancake breakfast, hike to the summit (or ride the tram), and a Celebration of Life Ceremony to pay tribute to the strength of the human spirit and help them continue the important work they do. 

Based out of Salt Lake City, the Cancer Wellness House provides holistic healing methods, ranging from counseling and support groups to exercise programs, acupuncture, nutritional education, and more to cancer patients, survivors, and their families.  "With cancer, drain on vitality is significant and while hospitals and cancer clinics do a good job providing treatment like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and, immunology drugs, there's still a need to provide true healing in a more home-like setting." says Dr. John J. Librett, the Executive Chairman of the Cancer Wellness House and a survivor of thyroid cancer. Much of the Cancer Wellness House's work also focuses on dealing with the many co-morbidities cancer patients are at risk for. "It's a complex chronic disease, with short and long term effects. Even if I beat my cancer, I have a higher risk of stroke, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, bladder cancer, and leukemia, just to name a few," says Dr. Librett. "Coming out to this event is a way to celebrate life and the triumphs of cancer patients. We invite everyone to join us for the beautiful summit experience."

Even if you can't make it out to the event, you can still pay tribute to a loved one and support the organization by purchasing a tribute flag ($25) to be displayed at the "Celebration of Life" Ceremony at Hidden Peak Summit at Snowbird. Modeled after Tibetan prayer flags, they will be viewed by hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and lift riders who come to the summit. Each flag will be returned to the purchaser after the event as a keepsake.  

Event Details

Survivors at the Summit kicks off at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast in the plaza where Snowbird's chefs will are serving up pancakes and bacon to fuel everyone for their summit journey. The breakfast is included with the event registration, but feel free to invite any family or friends to join because it is open to the public ($5 per person). 

After breakfast, choose your own journey to the summit; you can hike, run, bike, or ride the Peruvian Chair or Tram up to Hidden Peak, or hike the 3.5-mile route to the top.  Tribute flags will be on display on Hidden Peak for everyone to admire during the Celebration of Life Ceremony, which will feature inspirational speakers and live entertainment. The event is $35. Click here to register and for more information.