Climbing for Cancer
By Jay Turner
Cassandra Kral-Dillon and Jean Hajjar at the top of Forbidden Peak in the Cascades (Courtesy of Cassandra Kral-Dillon)
For the third consecutive year, Canton native Cassandra Kral-Dillon and her good friend Jean Hajjar will head out west to tackle a major North American summit as part of the Cronin Climb for Cancer — an annual fundraiser that benefits melanoma research in honor of Kral-Dillon’s late uncle, Mike Cronin.
This year, the duo will be attempting the full Exum Ridge on the Grand Teton (13,770 ft), the highest mountain in the Teton Range, located in northwest Wyoming. According to National Geographic, “The classic summit ascent is a two-day summertime climb … that culminates in a 13-pitch, heart-thumpingly exposed route up the pinnacle.”
Both of their previous climbs were in the Cascades, including a successful 2012 climb to the summit of Mt. Rainier (14,410), followed by last year’s successful trek to the top of Forbidden Peak (8,815).
Proceeds from this year’s climb will once again benefit the Mass. General Hospital Melanoma Fund in honor of Cronin, described by his niece as a “husband, father, CEO, board member, and humanitarian,” as well as a globe-trotting adventurer who always returned home with the “most amazing stories and pictures.” He died of cancer on April 10, 2011, at the age of 72.
“He was always interested and hopeful of what the next clinical trial might bring for his cancer treatment,” explains Kral-Dillon on her fundraising page at fundraise.massgeneral.org. “Unfortunately there wasn’t a cure for him, but I am hopeful someday we will have a cure for everyone. Until that day arrives I want to help fund Mass General’s trials for others who rely on them for a cure or even a few more years of life.”
Kral-Dillon, a former star athlete at Canton High School and Smith College, has successfully climbed over a half-dozen major peaks alongside her friend Hajjar, including Shuksan (9,131), Sharkfin Tower (8,120), Sahale (8,680), Pollux (13,425), Breithorn (13,661), and Weismiss (13,211).
Both are looking forward to their latest climb, which is planned for next week, August 10-16, and they are eager to raise as much money as possible for melanoma research and care.
“I’m sure we all know someone who has battled cancer in one form or another,” Kral-Dillon said. “Please help MGH in their efforts to find a cure.”
To learn more about the Cronin Climb for Cancer or to make a donation, go to www.fundraise.massgeneral.org/cassandra-kral-dillon. Donations can also be made via check — payable to “Massachusetts General Hospital” with “Cronin Climb for Cancer” on the memo line — and sent to Mass General Development Office, Community Fundraising Program, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 130, Boston, MA 02114.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=26332
Posted by Jay Turner
on Aug 7 2014. Filed under Photo Gallery.
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