Blog

Back to the Beach – Climb for Courage Virginia Beach 2023

December 4, 2023

By Maxwell Svec, One Summit Manager, Strategic Programs & Events On November 18th, we again concluded our year of Climb for Courage (CFC) programs in Virginia Beach. This was our second climb in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area, a community where the SEAL teams are embedded in the landscape. On my last trip to the area, I did not get to walk on the beach or explore the boardwalk, so on this visit, I took an early morning stroll to see the Navy SEAL monument and the iconic King Neptune statue. The SEAL monument depicts an underwater demolition swimmer from WWII standing upon, as the plaque states, "a horned scully, typical of the…

Resources in Resilience | Amazingly Woven

November 10, 2023

By Maxwell Svec, One Summit Manager, Strategic Programs & Events Early November tends to be a time of quiet contemplation; daylight quietly dwindles, only lasting what seems like a few hours; the end of the year rapidly approaches, and, of course, Veterans Day takes place on November 11th. It's a day to honor and recognize the innumerable courageous sacrifices the men and women in our military make every single day—some making the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for the freedom of all of us. For this Veterans Day, we wanted to share an impactful short film that weaves together some incredible people, organizations, and notions we hold in high regard here…

Resources in Resilience | Healing Conversations: A One Mission Podcast with OS Friend Abby Pastynak

October 30, 2023

By Maxwell Svec, One Summit Manager, Strategic Programs & Events Last month, a friend of One Summit, Abby Pastyrnak, was featured on Healing Conversations – a One Mission Podcast hosted by Ashley Haseotes. Ashley founded One Mission, a childhood cancer nonprofit that "does whatever it takes for kids fighting cancer." She and her husband Ari started One Mission back in 2009 after their son Nicholas finished his treatment for AML leukemia. One Mission's programs and initiatives help pediatric cancer families in many ways, including creating a better hospital experience, financial assistance, emotional support, and wrap-around care and community from diagnosis through whatever happens afterward. Earlier this year, Ashley started recording Healing Conversations…

Significant Impact – Climb for Courage New York City 2023

October 27, 2023

By Ali Lamson, One Summit Manager, Development & Communications Whenever I go to New York City, I instantly feel overwhelmed by the busyness in the air: the honking of cars, the rush of people, and the high-rise buildings looming overhead. It is daunting and frightening for someone who typically finds solace in the quietness of the woods and mountains. However, this time, I was in New York City for One Summit's Climb for Courage event with OS's Executive Director, Dianne Lynch, who worked in NYC for seven years, and Max Svec, Manager, Strategic Programs & Events. Having heard wonderful stories about Dianne's time living in New York, I was able to relax and…

Resources in Resilience | September Letters

September 22, 2023

By Julie Markarian, MS, CCLS, One Summit Team Leader with forward and afterword by Maxwell Svec, One Summit Manager, Strategic Programs & Events Foreward As our One Summit community knows well, we hold storytelling in high regard and appreciate it as an essential part of the journey toward posttraumatic growth. Telling our stories helps connect us as human beings through shared experiences, sometimes incredibly joyful, at times breathtakingly devastating, and all the emotions in between. Earlier this year, I heard about the release of a new book co-written by Brittany Snow (best known for her role as Chloe in the Pitch Perfect movie franchise) called September Letters: Finding Strength and Connection in…

Profiles in Resilience | Adam Hom: Survivor & Thriver

August 25, 2023

By Christina Parker, One Summit Contributor and Team Leader “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” The day was July 6th, 2018. Adam had turned seven years old and was celebrating his birthday at Legoland in sunny California with friends and family. It was a beautiful day, filled with cake and laughter, smiles and love…exactly what you would expect from a 7th birthday party. Little did the Hom family know, their lives were about to change forever. A few days later, Adam’s parents, David and Lin Hom, received the devastating phone call. After countless long scans at Rady’s Children’s Hospital, Adam was officially diagnosed with Stage 1 Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer. Lin: “It was the worst day…

Our 2023 Falmouth Road Race Warriors

August 18, 2023

Our 2023 Falmouth Road Race Warriors Click here to Donate! On August 20th, 10,000 runners are expected to run the Falmouth Road Race. Each year the race draws an international field of Olympians, elite, and recreational runners out to enjoy the iconic 7-mile seaside course. The Asics Falmouth Road Race is celebrating 51 years of running the course, giving back to the community and promoting running, health and fitness! And, we are celebrating our 7 runners who are honoring our little warriors, mentors, and families. Since 2019, we have participated in the Falmouth Road Race’s Numbers for Nonprofit program, supporting runners that sacrifice and fundraise for our mission. This year’s team features…

Resource in Resilience – How to Get Through Hard Times: A TED Talk by Former U.S. Navy SEAL Jason Redman

July 21, 2023

By Maxwell Svec, One Summit Manager, Strategic Programs & Events On a recent trip to Maine one drizzly, warm afternoon, my wife and I took cover from the rain at a favorite local bookstore. We go into the shop anytime we’re in town—my wife, while a bibliophile herself, usually wanders off in search of the resident cat. I, however, tend to gravitate to the travel books and, more recently, the history and war section. I find myself thumbing the pages of the books there in hopes of stumbling upon one that might provide a deeper understanding of what our Navy SEAL mentors experience in their careers and day-to-day lives. Our work at…

Profiles in Resilience | Golf Fights Cancer and the Golf Marathon

June 5, 2023

By Maxwell Svec, One Summit Manager, Strategic Programs & Events We have crossed the unofficial starting line of summer and as we head into June here at One Summit, we’re gearing up for another Golf Marathon fundraiser hosted by Golf Fights Cancer (GFC) on June 8th and 9th. We are incredibly grateful for our continued partnership with GFC and their dedication to supporting organizations that provide research, services, and programs for the cancer community. GFC has already made a notable impact on our work and One Summit programs in 2023. Our Boston Climb for Courage back in April was sponsored by GFC and it wouldn’t have been possible without their generosity and…

Coming Full Circle – Climb for Courage Boston 2023

May 18, 2023

By Maxwell Svec, One Summit Manager, Strategic Programs & Events Our 21st Climb for Courage (CFC) took place in Boston on Saturday, April 29th, just over 11 years since One Summit hosted our first event in March 2014. The world has changed in countless ways since then, and so much has taken place in the days between, but what remains unchanged is the incredible magic that happens when our community comes together. The joyous spirit is unmistakable on CFC day—the buzz of excitement and nervousness of our new Little Warriors and their caregivers, our mentors’ profound sense of purpose, and the wholehearted devotion of our Team Leaders and volunteers. No matter the…

View from the Starting Line – Our 2023 Boston Marathon Warriors

April 4, 2023

By Dianne Lynch, One Summit Executive Director On Patriots Day, Monday, April 17th, 30,000 runners from 122 countries are expected to make the 26.2 mile journey from Hopkinton to Copley Square. Marking the 10th anniversary of the tragic Boston Marathon bombing, the Boston Athletic Association, the nonprofit behind the race, said this year will be the “fastest and most decorated Boston Marathon across all of our divisions in race history.” The Boston Marathon attracts some of the biggest global stars in running, and this year is no exception. I’m talking about the One Summit Boston Marathon team! Since 2016 we have participated in the John Hancock Charitable program, supporting runners that sacrifice and…

Reflecting on our First Program of the Year – Climb for Courage San Diego 2023

February 28, 2023

By Dianne Lynch, One Summit Executive Director It’s been quite some time since I’ve sat back and taken the time to write and reflect on the impact and changes of the One Summit program since my arrival in 2017. On Saturday, February 11, 2023, we gathered at Vertical Hold outside San Diego to again build a new community of warriors. Nineteen US Navy SEALs helped us warmly welcome 16 patients & siblings; all sent our way thanks to our remarkable partners at Rady Children’s Hospital. This cross-section of families, mentors, team leaders, and volunteers came together to create an extraordinary event. The groundswell of support, engagement, and sense of community was palpable. The…

2022 in the Rearview

December 16, 2022

By Maxwell Svec, One Summit’s Manager, Strategic Programs & Events and Maria Papandreou, One Summit's Senior Manager, Development & Communications Here at One Summit, we can hardly believe it, but the end of 2022 draws near. We’ve been reflecting on the past twelve months and are grateful for an incredible year full of rebuilding, growth, and resilience. As the world began to awaken from the pandemic shutdowns this year, we returned to what we do best in earnest, hosting programs, fundraisers, community events, and more. Let’s look back at some highlights from the past year with our OS community. One of our biggest comebacks this year was in the form of our signature…

A Beautiful Beginning Worth the Wait – Climb for Courage Virginia Beach 2022

November 12, 2022

By Maxwell Svec, One Summit Manager, Strategic Programs & Events Our fourth and final Climb for Courage (CFC) program for 2022 was long in the making. Launching our first climb in Virginia Beach was initially scheduled for July 2020. But like with so many other plans, Covid had other intentions and delayed our inaugural climb in the area for over two years. So, we were thrilled to kick off November by finally and officially joining the incredible Virginia Beach community with our nineteenth Climb for Courage program. It was a weekend filled with new connections, excitement, energy, and long-lasting smiles! Gathered near Town Center were 14 patients and siblings, 19 Navy SEAL mentors, and…

Back in the Big Apple – Climb for Courage New York City 2022

October 14, 2022

By Maxwell Svec, One Summit Manager, Strategic Programs & Events One Summit returned to New York City to host our core experiential learning programs for the first time since the start of the Covid pandemic. Our eighteenth Climb for Courage (CFC) was held on October 1st, followed by Climb Higher the following morning. How great to be back in the Big Apple, almost three years since our last climbing program in the New York area. It was an incredible weekend filled with joyous reunions, new friendships, barrier-breaking, and lots of fun! The event was held at Central Rock Gym on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on a day of nonstop clouds and…

A Triumphant Return to the West Coast – Climb for Courage San Diego 2022

September 23, 2022

By Maxwell Svec, One Summit Manager, Strategic Programs & Events After over three years away due to the Covid pandemic, our core One Summit programs made their long-anticipated and triumphant returns to San Diego! We held our seventeenth Climb for Courage program on September 10th, followed by Climb Higher the following day—our first climbing program in the San Diego area since the weekend of May 11th, 2019. It was an incredible few days filled with smiles, joy, connection, and community. In attendance at Climb for Courage at Vertical Hold in Poway were 15 patients and siblings, 17 Navy SEAL mentors, and 7 Team Leaders and volunteers. It was an incredible group assembled…

Run for Resilience – OS Falmouth Road Race Team 2022

July 29, 2022

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Senior Manager of Development & Communications People run races for different reasons. For many it is to see who is the fastest. For others it is to see who can push themselves to continue through exhaustion to cross the finish line no matter how long it takes them. Walter Elliot said, “Perseverance is not a long race: it is many short races one after the other.” This quote reminded me of the Falmouth Road Race. The course may not be as long as the Boston Marathon, but our Falmouth runners embody the same mindset as those who ran the Marathon – their never-give-up attitude drives them forward.…

Stories from the Summit – Julia Sora Wykoff

May 9, 2022

On May 5th, we hosted our fourth Stories from the Summit with Julia Sora Wykoff, the 17-year-old founder of Zeal Cares. Inspired by a friend’s mom who was battling breast cancer and suffering from dry skin, Julia decided to help children going through the same chemotherapy treatments. Julia’s business makes all natural, antioxidant-rich products created to deeply hydrate lips and skin. For every single lip balm sold, another is donated to a child or young adult with cancer. What started out as experiments with different oils in her kitchen, Zeal Cares has grown into a successful business that includes partnerships with over 30 hospitals in 18 states. Our One Summit community of…

Making Memories, Building Resilience – Climb for Courage Boston 2022

April 15, 2022

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Senior Manager of Development & Communications It was recently announced that Tufts Children's Hospital would be closing its doors this July. This news hit us hard at One Summit, and we sprang into action to host a Climb for Courage to celebrate the patients, child-life specialists, and the special relationship we have with them one last time. A group of 15 patients and siblings, 9 Navy SEAL mentors, and 6 Team Leaders and volunteers gathered at Central Rock in Watertown on April 2nd for a day filled with conquering the rock walls and overcoming personal limitations. The excitement that filled the room as our newest little warriors…

Thank you Axos Bank – Community Engagement San Diego

March 16, 2022

One Summit's return to San Diego did not disappoint. Thanks to the generosity of our partner, Axos Bank, fifty of our little warriors, mentors, and their families attended an impressive San Diego Seals Lacrosse game at the Pechanga Arena in February. Hosted in the hospitality "PIT" against the glass, the excitement on the field was epic as we cheered on the team and each other. Having been apart since the start of the pandemic, our first trip to the West Coast since 2020 was worth the wait. It's incredible how quickly the kids have grown and the resilience they have demonstrated since we were last together. Although we've maintained a relationship, there…

Mind over Miles – Boston Marathon 2022 Warriors

February 21, 2022

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Senior Manager of Development & Communications Marathons and life mirror each other in specific ways. Both can sometimes be difficult, challenging, and present obstacles. It's how you mentally approach these times both in the marathon and in life that determines results. Believing in your dreams and having a never-give-up mindset go a long way in helping things turn out positively. We are honored that John Hancock selected One Summit as one of its Non-Profit Marathon Program Partners for the sixth year in a row. One Summit's 2022 team is once again diverse, but they all share their commitment to our community of like-minded warriors. Read on to…

Resources in Resilience – Power of Post-Traumatic Growth

January 14, 2022

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Senior Manager of Development & Communications Most people begin the new year with a renewed sense of purpose. Some set yearly goals, others want to learn more about themselves and the world, and sometimes we want to continue living the best life we can. At One Summit, one of our goals this year is to continue our commitment to the theory of Post-traumatic Growth and how it relates to all our warriors. If you are a novice on the subject, the following article will help you understand the difference between Post-traumatic Stress and Post-traumatic Growth. It helps clarify trauma and its effects on the human mind and…

A Photo Retrospect – 2021

December 17, 2021

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Manager of Development & Communications “How did it get late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get late so soon?” This quote by Dr. Seuss perfectly sums up how we currently feel at One Summit. We can hardly believe 2021 is almost over. Looking back at photos is one of the best ways to remember all the memories we made. 2021 began with the world continuing to navigate the ongoing pandemic and with One Summit hosting the annual Nate WOD Challenge where we team up with CrossFit boxes and raise…

Profiles in Resilience – From Apprehension to Anything is Possible

November 19, 2021

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Manager of Development & Communications A person’s attitude can determine success. Anthony Guzman’s smile is the first indication of his awe-inspiring positive attitude. On December 24th, 2019, Anthony's life changed when he was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. “Treatment has put him through a lot of trials and tribulations,” Anthony’s mom Raquel Ozoria recently expressed. Due to a complication during one of his many treatments, Anthony is now paralyzed from the waist down. Adjusting to a new way of life for anyone is scary. For Anthony and his mom, it is a challenge that they have taken on and conquered.Anthony was at One Summit’s most recent…

Stories from the Summit – Dan Cnossen

October 19, 2021

On September 9th, we hosted our second Stories from the Summit with Dan Cnossen, U.S. Navy SEAL, Paralympic Athlete, and One Summit Mentor. The life lessons Dan Cnossen can teach are endless, each tied to a profoundly transformative experience he’s had in his own life. Our One Summit community of mentors, little warriors, board members, families, and students from Villanova and Holy Cross came together to hear Dan’s story of resilience. It was an evening of informative and engaging discussion about his life, including his Paralympic journey. Everyone walked away feeling inspired and ready to conquer life’s challenges. If you missed the live event on September 9th, watch Dan’s inspiring story of…

Back at it – Climb for Courage Boston 2021

October 1, 2021

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Manager of Development & Communications In March of 2020, I don't think many people thought the COVID Pandemic would halt life as we know it to the extent it has. It has been 18 months since One Summit's last Climb for Courage. This past Saturday, we safely hosted our first in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic, and it was truly magical. We welcomed a smaller group than usual, 11 patients and siblings, 8 Navy SEALs, and 9 Team Leaders and volunteers to Central Rock in Watertown. Masked up and ready to conquer the wall, everyone truly enjoyed uniting and making new memories. I've been working…

Boston Marathon 2021 – Why We Run

September 17, 2021

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Manager of Development & Communications After being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boston Marathon is back! This year on October 11th, six runners will be running in-person on behalf of our mission. We were honored that John Hancock selected One Summit as one of its Non-Profit Marathon Program Partners for the fifth year in a row. One Summit's 2021 team is diverse yet comprised of six individuals who all have one thing in common – their commitment to our community of like-minded warriors. Each recently shared their motivation to train for and run one of the world's oldest annual marathons and best-known road…

Profiles in Resilience – Ethan’s Story

August 20, 2021

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Manager of Development & Communications “Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.” This quote by Les Brown immediately came to mind when I heard Ethan Moore’s story. Ethan is Katie and Aaron Moore’s first child. Like most parents with a new baby, they worried and fussed over Ethan. Those first few months with Ethan, they’d sometimes tip-toe into his room late at night “just because.” At around three months old, Katie and Aaron noticed that Ethan’s eyes would twitch back and forth at times, and at his 4-month pediatrician checkup, the doctor saw the same thing. After being referred to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles…

Resources in Resilience – One Summit’s Annual Report 2019-2020

July 16, 2021

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Manager of Development & Communications This month, we decided to take some time to reflect on One Summit’s accomplishments over the past few years and those of our community. Although it’s crucial we continue to innovate, inspire, and grow, it’s just as important to slow down every so often and look back on our journey. We are pleased to share One Summit’s 2019-2021 Annual Report. In 2019, our warriors shared many inspiring profiles of resilience as well as achieving program milestones. The transition into 2020, when a global pandemic gripped the world, tested our mental and physical strength. Creating this report allowed for an interesting reflection and…

Stories from the Summit – Dr.Jonny Kim

June 25, 2021

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Manager of Development & Communications As part of our commitment to our community of resilient warriors, we launched Stories from the Summit this month, an online enrichment series designed to inspire, educate, and entertain through the blending of personal stories, practical insights, and application of resilience in our daily lives. Our first guest was Dr. Jonny Kim. At only 37 years old, Jonny's accomplishments are outstanding; Navy SEAL, Medical Doctor, Astronaut, Husband, Father, One Summit Mentor. On the evening of June 17th, fifty-five little warriors, their families, and mentors listened to Jonny's inspiring story and engaged in an interactive Q & A session. Jonny, a first-generation South Korean…

Resources in Resilience – Wellness, It’s all about you

May 14, 2021

By Maria Papandreou, One Summit Manager of Development & Communications Wellness, a term used frequently and even more so during the past year, is imperative to us all; but especially to little warriors battling cancer and their families. It’s a broad term that encompasses many dimensions, including emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, social, occupational, physical, and spiritual well-being. The concept of wellness poses the question, “Do we need harmony in all dimensions to thrive?” After doing a lot of research and introspection, the conclusion reached is that although one must give all dimensions attention, there is no balance between them. Instead, it’s crucial to find a personal harmony with the essential dimensions for…

Profiles in Resilience – In Her Own Words

April 16, 2021

By: Ashley Johnson, One Summit Young Professional Board Member I first learned about One Summit and its mission from a co-worker whose husband was a mentor. The concept of pairing Navy SEALs with children fighting cancer struck a chord close to my heart. I come from a family with a long-standing investment in the military, and at the time I was a rock climber myself. I decided that I wanted to get involved with this unique organization and I reached out to volunteer and present a fundraising idea that I had. On June 5th, 2019, I threw my first fundraiser at Mighty Squirrel Brewery in Waltham Massachusetts. It was such an amazing feeling to…

OS & the Emmy’s

April 2, 2021

In June 2018, Fox Sports San Diego, Inside San Diego Sports, featured One Summit and the inspired relationship between Caden & Talia Timmer and their mentor, Parker Cornell. The Timmer’s and Parker first connected at Climb for Courage, San Diego, in 2017 and have maintained a relationship throughout the years. Last June, Executive Producer Tom Caitlin won the 2019 Pacific Southwest Sports Emmy Award for his One Summit piece. In March, Tom called the families together to personally present Parker & Caden the Emmy to share, as they were the inspiration for his award. In his words: I’m here today because Parker and Caden, you both possess qualities that I admire, and…

Profiles in Resilience – The Story Behind the Nate WOD Challenge

March 19, 2021

By: Maria Papandreou, One Summit Manager of Development & Communications 2 – 4 – 8 At first glance, just a set of numbers, but they have significant meaning to many who knew Nate Hardy. The numbers mark February 4, 2008 - the day Nate made the ultimate sacrifice. These numbers are now also part of the annual Nate WOD Challenge in which participating CrossFit boxes and individuals complete the WOD and raise funds in honor of Nate & Josh Hardy. Nate, a Navy SEAL, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, and hero killed in action, along with his brother Josh, who lost his battle to childhood cancer, represent One Summit’s mission of uniting…

Profiles in Resilience – Welcome New One Summit Board Members!

February 18, 2021

By: Maria Papandreou, One Summit Manager of Development & Communications What makes a great non-profit board member? Some of the most significant board members started their journey to service with nothing but a passion for the organization and an innate desire to do good. This desire, coupled with certain qualities such as being dedicated and committed to the mission, leading and influencing others, being knowledgeable, and valuing discretion, make board members an asset to a non-profit's success. Our newest One Summit Board Members have a strong commitment to our cause and are devoted to advancing the organization's mission. They are accomplished individuals who bring with them experiences that will be invaluable to…

Resources in Resilience: The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams NY: 2016

January 15, 2021

Reviewed by Steve Hardy, One Summit Contributor “Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.” So goes an old adage quoted in this book. In many ways, it is central to our understanding of resilience and to One Summit’s mission. All of us must bear the stings of life, including disease, serious injuries, and the deaths of loved ones. Some endure more than others. We will naturally grieve our losses, but we need not stay fixed in despair. As disabled Army veteran D.J. Skelton put it (quoted in our blog on Upside: The New Science of Post-Traumatic Growth): “I can either dwell on what happened and be miserable and pissy and complain…Or I can…

Hang on to Hope

December 16, 2020

By: Maria Papandreou Maria serves as One Summit's Manager of Development & Communications Hang on to hope…a fitting motto for 2020…and 2021! It has been a remarkable year. One that brought new challenges, changed the way we live and how we connect with each other. Our world has been shaken; our mental and physical strength tested daily. This year provided us with the opportunity to learn a lot about ourselves. 2020 presented us with a question; Do we let the fear of the unknown take over, or will we adapt to this new adversity in our lives? Resilience played a critical role in answering that question. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, "RESILIENCE"…

Profiles in Resilience: Christina

November 16, 2020

By: Kara Pogue, One Summit Contributor and Team Leader Behind each One Summit Climb for Courage are several unsung heroes who make the event go off without a hitch. Like their husbands, they are quiet professionals who work tirelessly to get things done, not for credit and notoriety, but the greater good. They are Navy SEAL spouses and significant others, and they serve as One Summit's Team Leaders. Christina is one such leader, who shares her time and heart, serving our participants and their families. She has volunteered alongside her husband at four or five One Summit events over the years; she's lost count. But she's always happy to help, and she brings…

Growth After Trauma – Dr. Richard Tedeschi

October 23, 2020

2020 is permeated with trauma, resilience, and growth. During this upheaval of all things familiar, many of us turn to family, friends, and professionals to help us navigate the overwhelming amount of stress and emotion that flood every moment of our days. At One Summit, our community is filled with experts of all ages with skills garnered through their own life experiences with cancer, combat, loss, and now an unforeseen pandemic. Driven by our mission, we have been at the forefront of addressing trauma and building resilience since our founding in 2014. We have been fortunate to access the knowledge and support of Dr. Richard Tedeschi, applying his study of Posttraumatic Growth…

Six Runners. Six Families. One Shared Mission.

March 5, 2020

On September 14th, six runners will be running on behalf of our mission in the Boston Marathon, marking the fourth year in a row One Summit has been selected as a partner of the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program. While these six individuals will be embracing any and all cheers received on Race Day, we feel they have a bit of a “head start” in this area. Why? Because they have the extra motivation of an inspiring community of like-minded warriors behind them, evidenced by the individual One Summit families they’ve been selected to represent. This is our opportunity to cheer them on. We’ll never stop. Madison Cornell, One Summit Team Leader I am so…

Profiles in Resilience: The Sterling Family

January 23, 2020

Photo Credit: Colleen Elizabeth Photography By: Greg Doyle Greg Doyle serves as One Summit's Senior Manager of Communications & Development. At One Summit, we believe there is an opportunity embedded in each challenge and setback we inevitably encounter in life. Those who have endured any form of trauma or adversity only to emerge stronger share this very sentiment. And it’s clear why: they’ve reached a “peak” and, as a result, have a new perspective on the deep, dark “valleys” traversed along the way. The Sterlings are a perfect example of this: “While we would never want to go through this again and never wish this upon anyone, we did really learn a lot…

Resources in Resilience: Bryan Doerries and The Power of Stories

December 30, 2019

By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. Famine, Plague, War, Enslavement, Disease, Death. In our time on this planet, humans have both caused and endured many seismic traumas. Survivors grieve their losses of family, friends, limbs, homes, health, and more. But many climb back from the depths of grief and it numbness, its disruption of thought and sleep, its sense of hopelessness, its self-blame. Stories of loss and resilience are as old as literature itself. Ancient Greek bards and dramatists, like Homer and Sophocles, focused on all these themes. Do they have anything to offer us moderns? Bryan Doerries believes…

Profiles in Resilience: Eric Sun

November 29, 2019

By: Greg Doyle Greg Doyle serves as One Summit's Senior Manager of Communications & Development. Nervous. Nauseous. Tired. These were the three words Eric Sun used to describe how he felt the morning of Climb for Courage, Boston in November 2014. Eric had good reason to feel this way. At 12-years-old, he found himself in an unfair fight with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a type of cancer seldom found in children that brutally attacks the body’s immune system. He was also skeptical about what the climb could offer “a grumpy, overweight middle schooler going through chemotherapy.” He admits that, at the time, he thought One Summit’s emphasis on resilience was “shallow.” I recently…

A Prism of Perspectives at Climb for Courage, NYC 2019

November 7, 2019

Little Warriors. Mentors. Families. Team Leaders. Board Members. Gym Staff. Child Life Specialists. Local Officials. Partners. And more. Each Climb for Courage engages a wide variety of individuals, with – at times – over 100 people on-site. Just as diverse as those who are in attendance are the unique motivations behind each individual’s involvement. Some are obvious, like a parent’s desire for her daughter to “learn that everyone has an obstacle to overcome, not just her” and another family’s hope that the program will “bring them together and show them they can conquer anything with strength, courage, love and teamwork.” Others are entirely undetected upon first glance and only rise to the…

Profiles in Resilience: Climbing Higher with the Giove Family

September 26, 2019

By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. Mason Giove was 11 years old in 2015 when he filled out his application to participate in One Summit’s Boston Climb for Courage. He listed a few of his favorite things: “play video games,” “hang out with friends,” eat “pancakes with syrup” or “white cupcakes with white frosting,” and drive the truck at his “Papa’s” farm in Oklahoma. These sound like wishes of a typical 11-year old boy. One answer, however, gets to the heart of life for our little warriors. Among his “favorite things” was “not going to chemo.” At 18-months-old, Mason…

Resources in Resilience: Like-Minded Partners

August 29, 2019

Photo by Hailey Sadler By: Greg Doyle Greg Doyle serves as One Summit's Senior Manager of Communications & Development. If you’ve been following our work at One Summit, you’ve likely heard of our Profiles in Resilience series, which for the past year and a half has been featuring inspiring stories from our community of warriors. What many don’t know, is that we’ve also been highlighting proven resources covering topics such as trauma, post-traumatic growth, loss and the power of storytelling. To date, all these resources have been in the format of a book. And while books are an undeniably helpful tool, we recognize that what classifies as a “resource” is both (1)…

Brick by Brick: Building Resilience at Climb for Courage, Boston 2019

July 15, 2019

“Resilience” is a word we use every day at One Summit. And for good reason. It is – after all – heavily emphasized in our mission statement. Drawing on his own personal experiences, Adam felt that, only by building resilience, could someone impacted by trauma overcome and grow. He realized that there was a common need shared by the children and families impacted by pediatric cancer and his fellow SEAL teammates; a need Adam felt One Summit could address with this very approach. Building resilience is the “how” to the “why” behind our work. But, what does “resilience” actually mean? The dictionary suggests that it is “an ability to recover from or…

Profiles in Resilience: Like-Minded Warriors Find Resilience on the Rock Wall — [Bittersweet Monthly Feature]

July 1, 2019

Photo by Hailey Sadler One Summit was nominated and selected as the July 2019 feature on Bittersweet Monthly, a documentary-style storytelling platform and 501(c)3 Foundation that highlights organizations doing inspiring and much needed work in response to the critical social issues of our day. We're excited to share this story as our July Profile in Resilience. Luke’s breath becomes shorter, heavier. His foot tests the next hold, tentatively, and then drops back. Fingers feel like slipping. “I’m ready to come down,” he says. Photo by Hailey Sadler “It’s okay, take a minute,” coaches Jim. His voice is calm, encouraging. “Take a breath. Think about your next move. Where can you put your…

Resources in Resilience: Talking With Children About Loss by Maria Trozzi

June 17, 2019

Reviewed By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. Maria Trozzi was a featured speaker at the Mentor Dinner the night before One Summit’s first Climb for Courage in 2014. She has counseled grieving children since the 1980s, when she founded the Good Grief Program at Boston Medical Center. She soon became a nationally renowned speaker on resilience after loss — for children, families, schools, and communities. Talking With Children About Loss (Penguin 1999) put into writing all the knowledge and experience she had accumulated in her first fifteen years of working in the field. While informed by research, the book unfolds…

Debrief: Climb for Courage, San Diego 2019

June 10, 2019

One Summit held its third-ever Climb for Courage in San Diego this past May. While the mission and venue remained the same, the experience featured a new group of participants, including 17 families, 28 patients and siblings, 27 Navy SEAL Mentors and 8 Team Leaders. The feedback from those who were on-site only confirmed the continued need for Climb for Courage and the mission of One Summit. The long-term impact of the program was reinforced at Climb Higher, San Diego on Sunday, May 12th. Designed for returning warriors, Climb Higher welcomed back 19 patients and siblings – almost 50% of those who previously participated in Climb for Courage, San Diego in either…

Profiles in Resilience: The Khan Family

May 28, 2019

Photo Credit: Colleen Elizabeth Photography By: Greg Doyle Greg Doyle serves as One Summit's Senior Manager of Communications & Development. At One Summit, we recognize that we have the opportunity to create many moments for our families and mentors worth capturing on camera – whether they be at one of our Climbs for Courage, community events or elsewhere. What captivates us about these images is not so much the aesthetics, but the memories, stories and relationships behind them. When we received the photos from our Climb for Courage, San Diego program held in March 2018, there was one photo in particular that seized our attention. This one. While it perfectly embodied the…

Resources in Resilience: The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart

April 11, 2019

Reviewed By: Greg Doyle Greg Doyle serves as One Summit's Senior Manager of Communications & Development. Hopes. Dreams. Goals. Regardless of what we call them, we all have things we want for our lives. Some are small. Others are much bigger, requiring a tactical approach, sacrifice and skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and courage. Just as we all have dreams, all of us encounter obstacles as we pursue the very things we desire. Some are small. Others are much bigger, making our goals and hopes appear – at times – impossible. As we learned from Dan Cnossen’s Profile in Resilience, those who choose and learn how to move forward in the face…

The People & Purpose Behind One Summit’s 2019 Boston Marathon Team

March 25, 2019

While One Summit has been a proud partner of John Hancock in the Marathon Non-Profit Program since 2016, this year’s team is perhaps the most diverse to date. It features a mix of One Summit Mentors & Team Leaders, as well as passionate supporters with a variety of personal experiences with, and connections to, the mission; experiences and connections we’re excited to share with the broader One Summit community. Matthew Pierson, One Summit Mentor Over the past two years, I continually heard about One Summit and the opportunity to mentor the brave children, and young adults, facing one of life's greatest challenges. I finally had the chance to participate in a Climb for Courage this…

Profiles in Resilience: Dan Cnossen

March 11, 2019

By: Greg Doyle Greg Doyle serves as One Summit's Senior Manager of Communications & Development. “It’s really gratifying to have that one-on-one interaction with the kids, teaching them climbing skills and some valuable life lessons.” – Dan Cnossen The life lessons Dan Cnossen can teach are endless. Each one is tied to a deeply transformative experience he’s had in his own life. Some have been triumphant. Others traumatic. All have shaped his perspective on resilience and the person he is today. Lesson #1: “If you never confront the fear, you miss out on the opportunity.” – Dan Cnossen Growing up on a fifth-generation family farm in Kansas taught Dan many things. The…

Resources in Resilience: Healing After Loss by Martha W. Hickman

February 27, 2019

Reviewed By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. Some of the smallest books in my library pack the biggest wallop of insights and wisdom. One of these is Martha W. Hickman’s Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief. Hickman (1925 - 2015) wrote essays, fiction and children’s books, but Healing After Loss is her best-known work. As a scholar, a church and community worker, and a mother who tragically lost her sixteen-year-old daughter, she understood the twisting trek of grief, its daily challenges and opportunities. She is an excellent travel companion. At 4x6 inches in size, Healing After…

Profiles in Resilience: Rachael Fussell

January 24, 2019

By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. As we waited for the kids from Dana-Farber to arrive by police escort, everyone at the very first Climb for Courage in 2014 was a little nervous. How quickly could these young cancer patients bond with the platoon-sized group of grizzled Navy SEALs? How fast would the mutual trust flow? Meanwhile, one person was coolly climbing to various perches on the different walls, camera in tow, checking for angles, visualizing shots of young dreamers reaching their goals. Her athleticism and composure radiated a steady confidence. That continued as the patients arrived, and soon the…

Resources in Resilience: The Story You Need To Tell by Sandra Marinella

December 19, 2018

Photo Credit: Sandra Marinella Reviewed By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. Humans are hardwired for stories. Myths, mysteries, tragedies, comedies — in poems, films, theater, books, or cartoons. The form, medium or place matter less than the tales themselves, full of challenges, journeys, obstacles, heroes, mentors, villains, twists and turns, and finally conclusions that bring change to characters and lessons to readers and viewers. In The Story You Need To Tell, Sandra Marinella shows us how to write and rewrite our personal stories in ways that can scoop us from the craters of seismic trauma that threaten us at…

Feeling Inspired by Those You Inspire: Climb for Courage, NYC 2018

December 4, 2018

Last month, One Summit descended on New York City for its final Climb for Courage of 2018. While the program was identical in structure to the two climbs held prior in San Diego and Boston, the weekend – and the impact it made on the 18 Navy SEALs and 27 children who were in attendance – was unique. This was best captured after the event concluded. “You’re changing these kids’ lives,” a volunteer said. “Well they’re changing ours,” one of the mentors responded. This is precisely the impact Adam La Reau envisioned when he founded One Summit in 2014. He built it with both warriors in mind. Yet, more so than with past…

Profiles in Resilience: Executive Director, Dianne M. Lynch

November 16, 2018

By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. One Summit is sharing Dianne's inspiring story to commemorate the anniversary of Jack's passing on November 18th and celebrate the Lynch's journey of resilience. In the fifteen years after her UMass graduation, Dianne McCaffrey Lynch enjoyed a successful career and a happy life. She made a mark in professional sports, with the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, the New England Revolution, and Major League Soccer. She met and married Ed Lynch. Their first child Jack was a toddler with, in her words, “glacier blue eyes, an impish smile, and a rambunctious personality that kept his dad…

Resources in Resilience: Upside – The New Science of Post-Traumatic Growth

October 16, 2018

Photo Credit: Jim Rendon By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. In 2004, D. J. Skelton was a young second lieutenant, fresh out of West Point, leading a rifle platoon in Fallujah, Iraq, when his unit was heavily attacked. He suffered grievous wounds that eventually took an eye and significant mobility in a hand and leg. The pain was so intense, he later told ABC News, "I wanted to die right then.” But he didn’t. And despite countless, grueling surgeries, he pushed on, co-founded a charity that took wounded warriors like himself on outdoor adventure trips, returned to combat in…

The Timmer’s Journey: Realizing the Light at the End of the Tunnel

September 7, 2018

On Sept. 8, 2018, 15 Navy SEALs will be competing in the inaugural One Summit Challenge to increase awareness and raise funds in honor of the children and families impacted by pediatric cancer. To inspire our competitors, we will be sharing three family stories leading up to the Challenge. The third is below. To support our team of Navy SEALs competing in the One Summit Challenge, click here. We are incredibly grateful for their time, hard work and determination! “The experience really made us realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, you can achieve more than you think with a good mindset, encouragement, and people that believe in you, and that these kids and families have an amazing support system.”…

Profiles in Resilience: Salma Costa and “The Day I Got to be a Navy SEAL”

August 31, 2018

At the age of three, Salma Costa was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. After multiple brain surgeries, nine months of chemotherapy, radiation and various trail adaptive therapies, she sadly lost her battle with the disease at just the age of seven on August 31, 2017. One Summit is sharing the Costa’s inspiring story to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Salma’s passing and celebrate the Costa’s journey of resilience. This letter – titled “The Day I Got to be a Navy SEAL” – was read by Salma’s mother, Fabiana at this year’s Mentor Training Dinner the night before Climb for Courage, Boston. It describes Salma’s Climb for Courage,…

The Tarin’s Journey: Restoring Life’s Adventure

August 28, 2018

On Sept. 8, 2018, 15 Navy SEALs will be competing in the inaugural One Summit Challenge to increase awareness and raise funds in honor of the children and families impacted by pediatric cancer. To inspire our competitors, we will be sharing three family stories leading up to the Challenge. The second is below. To support our team of Navy SEALs competing in the One Summit Challenge, click here. We are incredibly grateful for their time, hard work and determination! “Jake’s diagnosis has changed us and how we view life forever.” - Michael Tarin On September 23, 2014, Jake Tarin was diagnosed with T-Cell Leukemia at the age of 12. The two years that followed brought endless appointments at Rady Children’s Hospital,…

The Regan’s Journey: Finding Purpose and New Perspective

August 22, 2018

On Sept. 8, 2018, 15 Navy SEALs will be competing in the inaugural One Summit Challenge to increase awareness and raise funds in honor of the children and families impacted by pediatric cancer. To inspire our competitors, we will be sharing three family stories leading up to the Challenge. The first is below. To support our team of Navy SEALs competing in the One Summit Challenge, click here. We are incredibly grateful for their time, hard work and determination! “When your child is diagnosed with cancer, your world is forever changed. Your outlook on life and how you approach every day is altered.” – Angela Regan This is exactly what happened to four-year-old Brogan Regan in November 2015,…

Resources in Resilience: Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield

August 20, 2018

Photo Credit: Paulette J. Saure By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. Most Navy SEALs avoid books about Navy SEALs. One exception is Fearless, featured in our June Resources in Resilience blog. SEALs do, however, read widely for inspiration, and one of their favorites is Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield. It describes the ancient Spartans and their heroic stand against the vast Persian army at Thermopylae in 480 BCE. My son Nate recommended the book when he sent me a DVD of the movie 300, with Gerard Butler as Spartan King Leonidas. “Read the book, watch the movie,”…

Profiles in Resilience: Kimi Schroder

July 16, 2018

By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. The young girl faced an audience of hardened men, all with many deployments to war torn regions around the world. She was the keynote speaker. They watched her intently. She was up to the challenge. “Hi. My name is Kimi and I have been fighting cancer for over seven years. In all this time, I NEVER let cancer limit me nor do I EVER let cancer define who I am. I am bigger and stronger than cancer and I plan on beating this and going on to accomplish great things.” It was the…

Resources in Resilience: Adam Brown – Resilient Warrior

June 25, 2018

By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. When we arrived at Norfolk airport on February 5, 2008 – the day after we learned our son Nate was killed in action – a tall, handsome, dark-haired guy introduced himself at the baggage claim area. It was Adam Brown. He told us he was on Nate’s SEAL team. He had trained with Nate, was rehabbing an injury – and thus not in Iraq – and would be helping us navigate the details of Nate’s death and burial. He was so genuine, so easygoing, and so friendly that we all felt a sense…

Reinforcing Old and New Relationships at Climb for Courage, Boston 2018

June 20, 2018

Earlier this June, One Summit held its tenth Climb for Courage program in the place where it all started: Boston. In 2013, shortly after Adam La Reau founded One Summit, ten little warriors from The Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana-Farber participated in the first ever Climb for Courage. While One Summit has grown since then – to impacting over 230 patients and siblings and 120 Navy SEAL mentors through its Climb for Courage programs in Boston, San Diego and New York City – its commitment to the entire community of warriors and families has never been stronger. This year’s Boston program reinforced this point by uniting 27 little warriors from Tufts Floating…

Profiles in Resilience: Founder, Adam La Reau – The Journey to One Summit

May 18, 2018

By: Steve Hardy Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. Adam La Reau has never let an obstacle stop his forward progress. His strength lies in his heart and his will. After graduating from high school, he entered the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a plan to go straight to the water — at the Navy SEAL’s Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, California. No one from the Academy had ever done that. Until Adam La Reau. You don’t make it as a SEAL if you can’t focus on meeting the challenge right in front of you, break it down into achievable steps,…

Proving Resilience Inspires Resilience, Mile After Mile

April 26, 2018

Resilience within one can inspire resilience within another. This has always been the cornerstone of One Summit’s mission and programs, whether it be Climb for Courage or any of the organization’s many year-round community events or initiatives. Yet, perhaps more than any other year, this year’s Boston Marathon reminded us of the incredible power of resilience and how one’s commitment to “Never Give Up” in the face of adversity can inspire others to adopt the same mindset in overcoming their own challenges. But who inspired resilience in who at this year’s Boston Marathon? The answer to this question isn’t as simple as it may initially appear. As each of One Summit’s six…

Meet One Summit’s 2018 Boston Marathon Team

April 5, 2018

On April 16, 2018, six courageous runners will be competing in the 2018 Boston Marathon through the John Hancock Nonprofit Marathon Program to raise awareness and funds for One Summit’s mission and programs. We are incredibly grateful for their time, effort and determination and are excited to share their motivations and inspirations with One Summit's community. Stephen Meidus Ever since I was introduced to One Summit’s mission of empowering childhood cancer patients to achieve growth through conquering adversity, I could not help but be drawn into their fight. I wanted to serve them in whatever way possible. The Boston Marathon presented me with the opportunity to use my abilities in order to raise as much…

Inspiring Stories from Climb for Courage, San Diego 2018

March 29, 2018

Thirty kids and twenty-five Navy SEALs descended on Vertical Hold Rock Climbing Gym earlier this month for Climb for Courage, San Diego. Although they varied in age and life experience, they all shared one commonality. The refusal to give up. Ever. For the kids, their battle comes in the form of pediatric cancer. Whether a patient or sibling, they’ve been forced to face adversity at a young age. And for their Navy SEAL mentors, facing adversity is part of the job. For precisely this reason, One Summit united these like-minded warriors at Climb for Courage, San Diego. Throughout the day, all participants were encouraged to set goals, work as a team and overcome challenges,…

Profiles in Resilience: The Story of Nate and Josh Hardy

March 7, 2018

By: Steve Hardy Steve Hardy serves on One Summit's Board of Directors. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. January 6, 2018 marked twenty-five years since our oldest son Josh died of brain cancer. Donna and I drove to Ogunquit, Maine and walked the Marginal Way, one of his favorite places. Less than a month later we were at Arlington National Cemetery where we visited his brother Nate’s grave and observed the 10th anniversary of his death in action during a Navy SEAL raid on a suicide bomb cell in Iraq. The pain of these losses never leaves and at any moment it can crash over us like the big waves…

Jimmy’s Impactful Experience

June 9, 2017

I’d like to express to you and the rest of the “One Summit” crew how grateful I am for the opportunity to share in the “events” associated with your organization. I do mean events. When I was invited to participate in the climbing event, sponsored by One Summit, and I was matched up with Connor Heffler, I was not really prepared for what an impact that would have on my life. Connor attended the climbing event with his twin “Evan” and his cousin “DJ.” As a retired, and combat wounded Navy SEAL, I thought I had experienced quite a bit of adversity. When I met Connor and learned of his trials with cancer, I was immediately…

Against All Odds: The Story of an Unbreakable Bond Between a Pediatric Cancer Patient and his Navy SEAL Mentor

November 17, 2016

What do childhood cancer patients and Navy SEALs have in common? Resilience? Grit? Tenacity? A sum of all these traits unifies our like-minded warriors in a special and transformational companionship. Although the battlefields for these big and little warriors may differ, the heroism and perseverance remain the same. Pediatric cancer is a uniquely devastating war because the battlefield is over the body of a child. It is undoubtedly an unfair fight. However, in bringing these two warriors together we are able to even the odds in the fight against childhood cancer and provide impactful relationships that our heroes can lean on for strength and support. One of our bravest little warriors, Connor,…

Brian Pierce: Competing in the Boston Marathon, Former Navy Seal Overcomes Adversity and Inspires Childhood Cancer Patients to “Never Give Up”

November 16, 2016

This week we are highlighting one of our beloved Navy SEAL mentors, Brian Pierce. Brian began mentoring with One Summit in November of 2014 at our second Climb For Courage event after he learned about One Summit through a fellow SEAL. Brian knew he could help our little warriors battling cancer by sharing his own experiences and sending them the message that physical limitations are not permanent obstacles. He said, “I hope the kids realize to never give up. Just because something bad happened to you doesn’t mean you look down on yourself, you keep moving forward and don’t give up. Yes, you have limitations, but you learn to adjust to those…

Climb for Courage

November 14, 2016

Waiting in the lobby, twenty-one children and their parents listen to Adam La Reau, Founder of One Summit, welcome them to the Climb for Courage at Central Rock Gym in Watertown. The Climb for Courage event marks the beginning of One Summit’s mentorship program; at this event, children fighting cancer are paired with their U.S. Navy SEAL mentor for a day of indoor rock-climbing. As the children climb the stairs, thunderous clapping erupts. The children start their walk through a tunnel of Navy SEALs, getting high-fives, looking nervous yet excited for their adventure. Gazing up at the tall rock-walls that surround them, the children wait as Adam pairs them up one…

Children with Cancer find like-minded companionship is U.S. Navy SEALs

November 13, 2016

Think back to when you were a teenager. You have your whole life ahead of you. Along your clear, wide trail through the forest of life you encounter a mountain - you can’t go around this mountain; you are standing at the bottom looking straight up at the peak. You’ve never climbed a mountain before, unsure of where to start, routes to take, or necessary skills to get to the summit. Now imagine that mountain is cancer. It’s a crippling disease that challenges even the most experienced climbers and evokes feelings of fear, uncertainty and vulnerability. In the U.S., almost 13,000 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer every…