Ibex Supports “Climb Against the Odds – Mt. Shasta”

Ibex Outdoor Clothing, LLC, leading manufacturer of wool performance apparel, will sponsor The Breast Cancer Fund’s (BCF) 10th mountain climbing expedition. Amy McAbee, survivor and customer service representative at Vermont-based Ibex has been selected as part of the team that will climb the 14,162-foot Mt. Shasta in Northern California on June 21 through 27, 2009. The “Climb Against the Odds” raises awareness and funds for research to eliminate environmental and other preventable causes of breast cancer.

“The date of the climb coincides with the second anniversary date of my original diagnosis,” says McAbee, one of twenty three women and men selected to participate in the expedition. “I was initially inspired to start training to recoup from my Chemo treatments, but it soon transitioned into my participation into this amazing adventure. I am a young woman, diagnosed with no family history and do not carry the breast cancer gene. It is extremely important that research and awareness continues to advance so that we identify and eliminate the environmental causes of the disease, including toxic chemicals found in our everyday environment. I am excited for this opportunity to help the BCF towards this goal.”

The Climb Against the Odds team is selected through an essay process, each candidate describing their reasons for wanting to participate. The team is comprised of a mix of survivors, supporters and trainers. McAbee trains six days a week by alternating backpacking through the woods of Vermont with a 25 lb. backpack, cardio work outs, weight training and cross country skiing. She works remotely with team trainers to prepare her for the climb.

This year’s team will strive to raise $750,000 for breast cancer prevention. For more information, go to www.breastcancerfund.org/climb09/.

To support Amy McAbee’s fundraising goal, go to: www.breastcancerfund.org/climb09/amymcabee