Swarner

More artwork by Kristina Swarner is here and here.

One White Wishing Stone 2006

More artwork by Kristina Swarner is here and here.

Archive 2006-05-01 2006

One of my inspirations happens to be a very close friend of mine, mountain climber Sean Swarner.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book Jack Canfield 2009

One of my inspirations happens to be a very close friend of mine, mountain climber Sean Swarner.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book Jack Canfield 2009

"I'm aware of the danger, but it doesn't come into play when making the decision to climb - safety is always an issue," Swarner said.

Summit Daily News - Top Stories By CAITLIN ROW summit daily news 2010

As a two-time cancer survivor, Swarner as a child had little hope he'd live to be an adult.

Summit Daily News - Top Stories By CAITLIN ROW summit daily news 2010

Swarner and his brother Seth decided to start The CancerClimber Association in 2001 - a nonprofit organization based out of Boulder that "offers hope through inspiration" by raising funds, putting on programs and visiting people who are touched with cancer "now."

Summit Daily News - Top Stories By CAITLIN ROW summit daily news 2010

Swarner said he's currently raising funds for a mobile camp to visit kids with cancer, since they're not healthy enough to travel.

Summit Daily News - Top Stories By CAITLIN ROW summit daily news 2010

And this is where the climbing comes in - Swarner is using his passion for climbing to inspire cancer patients and show them what someone who survived severe illness can do.

Summit Daily News - Top Stories By CAITLIN ROW summit daily news 2010

It's a mountain Swarner describes as surrounded by political unrest, rebel factions and even cannibals.

Summit Daily News - Top Stories By CAITLIN ROW summit daily news 2010