Climb Against the Odds 2025: An Expedition of Strength, Solidarity, and Purpose
A Climb Against the Odds
Each June, the Climb Against the Odds (CAO) returns to the flanks of Mt. Shasta, carrying with it the weight of stories, names, and hope. Organized by Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), this annual climb brings together a group of volunteers—many with no mountaineering experience—to ascend the 14,179’ mountain in honor of loved ones affected by breast cancer.
But it’s not just about the summit. It’s about the journey that leads there. And this year, that journey was as deep, powerful, and connected as ever.
A Mission That Moves
BCPP’s mission is clear: to eliminate toxic chemicals linked to breast cancer. Through science-based advocacy, education, and systemic change, BCPP leads the charge in breast cancer prevention. Climb Against the Odds is a critical part of that work—not only as a fundraiser, but as a symbol of resilience, transformation, and action.
Each climber carried prayer flags inscribed with names—of survivors, fighters, and those lost to the disease. These flags flew on Mt. Shasta’s slopes, visible reminders that every step was part of something larger.
This year’s team of 18 raised over $176,000 (and counting), directly supporting BCPP’s efforts to protect public health and future generations.
Training the Body, Honoring the Heart
Since 2022, I’ve had the honor of coaching the CAO climbers through a 16-week training plan based on my Alpine Adaptation Method—the same system I use with every athlete at Casaval Personal Training.
This method is rooted in simplicity and adaptability. It combines proven strength and endurance principles with real-life flexibility, taking into account each climber’s background, current fitness level, schedule, and location. Whether someone is a seasoned hiker or brand new to structured training, there’s a clear path forward.
Over the years, I’ve watched nervous applicants become confident mountaineers—step by step, week by week. For many, the training process becomes as transformative as the climb itself.
The mission holds a deeply personal significance for me. My mom is a 20-year breast cancer survivor, and like many, I’ve also lost friends and family members to cancer. This cause is close to my heart, and I’m humbled to serve this team, not just as a coach, but as an ally.
I’ve been guiding on Mt. Shasta since 2005 and served as one of the guides for 14 of BCPP’s 21 climbs. These days, I return each year to observe the climbers, listen, and learn. I study how the training plays out on the mountain so I can refine and improve the plan. Each workout is written with care, each detail designed to support their experience, because the team deserves that.
And once again, this year, their dedication paid off. Each climber reached a proud personal high point—their own summit—and most climbed all the way to the top of Mt. Shasta, thanks to months of consistent preparation and the guidance of an exceptional mountain team.
If you’re someone who dreams of joining this climb but doubts whether you’re “ready”—please hear this: you are. You don’t need to be an athlete or a mountaineer. You just need a reason and a willingness to try. I’ll be there to help you prepare you every step of the way.
The Guides Who Make It Happen
The safety and success of each climber is only possible because of the incredible crew from Shasta Mountain Guides (SMG). Each year, they show up not just as guides, but as mentors, protectors, teachers, and teammates. It’s one of the most important and impactful guiding weeks of the season—and it shows.
At the helm are Chris and Jenn Carr, owners of SMG, who go to great lengths to staff this climb with the most experienced and compassionate guides on the mountain. The culture they’ve built over the years is one of integrity, humility, and service—and it permeates everything this climb stands for.
What makes this event truly special is the depth of care and connection the SMG crew brings. They don’t just get climbers up and down the mountain—they walk beside them every step of the way, offering encouragement, wisdom, and calm presence in moments of uncertainty. For many climbers, the bond they form with their guides becomes one of the most powerful and lasting parts of the experience.
That spirit of trust, teamwork, and shared purpose is what defines this climb—and it’s the reason so many of us return, year after year.
Once again, this season, the Climb Against the Odds was supported by a crew of legendary guides, each bringing their own blend of expertise, heart, and mountain wisdom to the team. Some return year after year, carrying the deep knowledge and continuity that defines this event. Others are new talent, stepping in with fresh energy, skill, and an eagerness to serve. Together, they form the backbone of this climb.
Rich Meyer – the on-mountain coordinator and quiet cornerstone of the climb. He’s guided every single Climb Against the Odds on Mount Shasta, donating his time year after year to a cause that’s deeply personal to him. In addition to leading on the mountain, Rich has personally raised thousands of dollars for BCPP and continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment, humility, and care. First up, last down—always dialed.
Katie Wry – SMG Guide Manager and Lead Guide. With steady presence and care, she leads with precision and warmth.
David Reichel – seasoned guide, avalanche forecaster, and snow scientist. His understated confidence and sharp intellect help ground the team in safety, awareness, and sound decision-making. David brings deep knowledge and a calm presence that elevates everyone around him.
JC (Jonathan Cahill) – master of mountain wisdom and positivity, a trusted and uplifting presence on any rope team.
Joey Iosue – quietly confident, wildly competent, and probably the funniest person on the mountain.
Ethan Atkins – a well of soul and compassion who meets climbers exactly where they are.
Travis Soares – one of the fittest humans alive, yet gentle and kind; a musician in motion across snow and rock.
This year’s team also included a standout group of new guides:
Alec Blossom – globe-trotting ski instructor and instant brother to all.
Sam Steuart – a bright light and positive energy in every setting.
Jeff Bert – young, capable, kind, and quietly impressive.
And I’d be remiss not to mention two additional key contributors:
Emma Jane Geisler, SMG’s office and social media manager, climbed to the summit this year with grace and strength. Her creativity, warmth, and behind-the-scenes support have shaped SMG’s evolving voice and deepened its community.
Robert Abramowitz, a past CAO climber and honorary SMG guide, returns each year as basecamp manager, supporting climbers to 10,400 feet and helping those who reach their personal summit early return safely to camp.
A Foundation of Trust and Dedication
While every climb is special, this year offered a chance to reflect on the people who make it all possible, especially Marie, the long-standing event coordinator for BCPP’s Climb Against the Odds.
Marie is simply the perfect person for this role. Her combination of compassion, attention to detail, and unshakable calm has made her the cornerstone of this event. For most climbers, she’s the first person they speak to when they sign up and the one they rely on most in the days and months leading up to the climb. Her leadership brings comfort, clarity, and confidence to everyone around her.
On a personal level, Marie has become a treasured friend and mentor. I can’t say enough about how much I respect and admire her. Her ability to hold space for each climber’s journey, while also managing the countless logistics behind the scenes, is nothing short of remarkable.
We’re lucky she’ll be with BCPP for at least one more season, continuing to do what she does best: hold this community together and help people step into something bigger than themselves.
Marie, thank you. You’ve built something lasting here, and we’re all better for it.
A Collective Effort
While the summit is often the focus, the success of Climb Against the Odds is built on the shoulders of so many people beyond the mountain.
To the families of the climbers, who supported long training days, cheered from afar, and often inspired each step, thank you.
To the donors, whose generosity fuels BCPP’s mission, your impact is felt far beyond this climb.
To the BCPP staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to organize, communicate, and coordinate every detail, this event would not exist without your care and dedication.
To the honorees—the people whose names are written on prayer flags and carried to the summit—you are the reason we climb.
To the porters, who haul tents, food, and cooking gear up the mountain in advance and ensure camp is ready, your hard work makes the climb possible.
To Jeff, Dani, and the team at The Fifth Season—thank you for expertly outfitting the climbers with the technical gear they need to stay safe and comfortable in the alpine.
To the event sponsors—LEKI USA, Ridge Merino, Klean Kanteen, Sunski, The North Face, Innersense Organic Beauty, Osprey Packs, Princeton Tec, Kula Cloth, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Planet Superfood—thank you for providing essential equipment, nourishment, and support that keep the climbers warm, protected, and moving forward.
And finally, to the Mount Shasta community, thank you for once again welcoming this event and its participants with open arms, enthusiasm, and mountain-town magic. Your support creates a home base that grounds this entire experience.
Through the Lens: Capturing the Climb
A special thank-you to Danny Kern, the official photographer for this year’s Climb Against the Odds. All the photos featured in this post are his work, and we’re sure you’ll agree that he’s a gifted artist.
Danny brings a rare combination of talents to this event: a deep understanding of mountain environments, the physical ability to move efficiently in alpine terrain, and a natural ability to connect with climbers. His presence lifts people up, and his friendships with the SMG guide team make for seamless, safe, and effective collaboration on the mountain.
His ability to capture both the intensity and intimacy of this experience is part of what makes it so enduring. It’s no wonder BCPP continues to bring him back year after year.
In Their Words
The heart of this event lives in the stories of the climbers themselves. Here’s what a few had to say about their journey, the training, and the impact of Climb Against the Odds.
Andy LaVelle, Orinda, CA
“I’ve lost important people to cancer, and with a wife and two daughters, that’s all the motivation I need to help now. Besides, I can’t think of a cooler way to raise money for such a worthy cause.”
“After seven attempts and three summits, this was by far the most prepared I’ve ever been—and it’s thanks to Dane’s training plan. My hiking strength improved dramatically and carrying a 40 lb pack started to feel normal. The program was clear, effective, and gave me weekly goals that helped me show up strong. I summited with style—and I have Dane to thank for that.”
Erin Steen, Medford, OR
“I’m climbing in service of others, to ease suffering, and to amplify BCPP’s incredible mission. To summarize my intention, I’ll quote Neil Young: ‘I wanna live, I wanna give.’”
“The impact of Dane’s training plan cannot be understated—it was the reason I was able to participate fully and enjoy the climb. I felt strong, confident, and pain-free on summit day, and had such a good time up there. The program was clear, progressive, and even neurodivergent-friendly. After nine months of training, I reached the summit injury-free and full of joy.”
Heather Shirey, Bullard, TX
“I’m climbing for myself, my kids, and for future generations. Cancer has deeply impacted my family—and I’m ready to take this journey to the summit.”
“I live in East Texas where there are no mountains—but with Dane’s training plan, I showed up strong and climbed to 13,200 feet on Mount Shasta, higher than I’ve ever been. The program gave me structure, confidence, and the strength I needed, even training on flat terrain. My body felt ready and capable the whole way. I’m so proud of what I accomplished—and I couldn’t have done it without this plan.”
Jo Oseman, Bay Area Young Survivors Representative
“I’m climbing Mount Shasta for myself, my partners, my son, my family—for people I’ve lost, and for the amazing women who’ve come into my life since 2022. This is a celebration of my body, of resilience, and of survivorship.”
“From struggling to do ten squats at the start to feeling genuinely strong on the mountain, this program completely changed my body and my confidence. The strength and hiking plan were exactly what I needed after cancer treatment—I didn’t even realize how strong I was becoming. Dane adapted the training when my knee flared up, and thanks to that, I made it to the summit injury-free. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life.”
Rose Spagnolo, Yreka, CA
“I am climbing for myself and everyone I’ve lost due to health issues. I’ve learned one major thing: health does not wait. Why should I?”
“Summiting Mount Shasta was one of the most empowering experiences of my life. The training program prepared me physically and mentally in ways I didn’t expect—I felt strong, focused, and capable when it mattered most. Even when I struggled to breathe near 13,500 ft, I trusted my training and kept going. Thank you, Dane, for helping me see what I’m truly capable of.”
Shayna Cassidy, Mt Shasta Community Climber
“My best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. She and our beloved women are all the motivation I needed. Giving back to the Mt. Shasta community—the place I call home—make this journey even more meaningful.”
“This journey changed my life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The support, care, and training from Casaval Personal Training were above and beyond. I grew stronger in every way, and Dane’s guidance helped me see what I’m truly capable of. I’m going to keep walking the path he helped me find.”
What’s Next?
Climb Against the Odds will return in 2026—and if you’ve ever thought about joining, now is the time to take that first step.
Whether you’re worried about your fitness, the fundraising, or the unknowns of mountaineering, know this: you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll be guided, supported, trained, and cheered on every step of the way.
Join the team. Serve. Train. Climb.
We’ll meet you where you are—and help you rise higher than you ever thought possible.
👉 Learn more about Climb Against the Odds and how to apply at https://www.bcpp.org/get-involved/events/climb/
👉 For coaching and training questions, visit www.casavalpt.com or email me directly at dane@casavalpt.com