Meredith has been climbing mountains to make sure those facing breast cancer are living longer, fuller lives.
When she was planning to do her first climb in 2007 as part of CIBC Wood Gundy’s Climb for the Cure, she was often asked what made her think that she can really do it. In response, Meredith said two words: “Watch me.”
And now, Meredith has just completed her 17th climb. What caused her to make the leap and start climbing mountains to raise funds for life-saving cancer research? Her mother was going through her own cancer experience.
Meredith’s inspiration to climb
For Meredith, her mother’s strength and perseverance gave her more than enough motivation to help change the lives of people affected by the same disease. In that very first climb, Meredith summited Mt. Kilimanjaro and helped raise over $525,000 with her team.
“Climbing is easy in comparison to the determination and courage it takes to take on cancer,” says Meredith. “When I am on the mountain, I reflect on my mom’s difficult days with cancer and the discomfort she experienced, and how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to push myself to these extremes.”
But her climbs don’t always go according to plan. During her first summit attempt of Mt. Denali in Alaska, a massive storm rolled in and caused a white-out blizzard for many hours. A search party was sent out and they unfortunately failed that first attempt. But Meredith returned to the mountain for a second attempt. She was able to persevere and complete the climb, overcoming the physical and mental challenges she endured.
Despite having some treacherous experiences, Meredith keeps climbing to help change the future of breast cancer.
“After every climb, I tell myself I’m not going back, but soon after, somehow, I’m ready to go again. I love the whole journey from trip planning to team building to the summit and the return to ‘normal’ life. You must embrace discomfort and flexibility to do this, and I often say the challenge is 80% mental. These are integral challenges which have also helped to shape my everyday life.”
Meredith uses inspiration from those experiencing breast cancer and her mother’s experience with breast cancer to go on each climb, as well as participate at the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure. As part of the Wonder Women of Wealth team at CIBC, Meredith has helped raise thousands to support the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Whether it is climbing mountains or taking part in her local CIBC Run for the Cure, Meredith is helping those facing breast cancer live longer, fuller lives. Join people like Meredith at the Run on Sunday, October 6.