One Summit's mission is to build resilience and facilitate growth in pediatric cancer patients and their siblings through mentorship, experiential learning, storytelling, and community engagement with US Navy SEALs. Experiential learning takes place in the form of indoor rock climbing at our primary program, Climb for Courage. Through this adventure, we induce challenges that empower children to achieve growth through conquering adversity. The long-lasting relationship they form with their Navy SEAL mentor inspires the hope and resilience each little warrior needs to continue in their fight.
One Summit was founded by Adam La Reau in 2013. Adam's inspiration stemmed from his experience as a Navy SEAL coupled with his mother's fight against breast cancer. After losing his mother to cancer in 2004, Adam began volunteering with a variety of cancer-related organizations. During this time, he met a lot of women just like his mother that were incredibly tough, mentally and physically. Their strength inspired others.
However, he also saw a lot of young kids battling cancer that didn't necessarily have the skills to conquer this disease on their own. He thought it was an unfair fight and wanted to even the odds. His experience in the military lead him to believe there was an opportunity for Navy SEALs to help.
Adam recalls: "I served with a lot of amazing men who were incredibly heroic, courageous and resilient." He recognized the skills embedded in the SEALs were the skills kids battling cancer needed the most. He decided to bring these two worlds together and create One Summit.
My mother lost her battle to cancer when she was 58. I found out while serving in Iraq in 2004. In the end, it was her body that gave up, not her mind. I am still inspired by her strength as well as the strength of the men I served with in the SEAL teams.
My Navy SEAL encouraged me to go higher and work harder. It felt really good because accomplishing your goals makes you happy.
Our children were so ecstatic and proud to share their experience with One Summit. Our oldest son talked about rock climbing and working out with his mentor for days and couldn’t wait to message him (on One Summit’s secure online communication platform, The Anchor). They all had a sense of accomplishment and pride. When asked if they wanted to go back, they all responded “YES!!!!”
It was a great way to give back while also connecting with other SEALs.
