Hart Togman, 24, and Adam McClare, 26, have always enjoyed hiking and the outdoors – but last year, they took their passion for climbing to new heights by raising funds and awareness for cancer through an event called Summit for SickKids.

“We wanted to do more for cancer research, so we took a hobby we both enjoyed to create a unique event,” Hart said. “We didn’t want to do a stereotypical run for the cure.”

Last year, Hart and Adam climbed Mount Rainier in Washington, raising $15,000 for SickKids in the process. The money was donated to the Haematology/Oncology Department at SickKids and the Cancer Genetics Program.

“It was important that our event forced us to challenge ourselves both mentally and physically,” Adam said. “Both Hart and I have watched family members go through cancer, so we wanted to symbolize the struggle and challenges faced by those dealing with the disease.” 

This year, they’ve set their sights on the 19,347 foot Mount Cotopaxi in Ecuador. For both Adam and Hart, the decision to give to SickKids was personal.

“My mother was diagnosed with cancer when I was three years old, and Hart and I both have a mutual friend who underwent treatment at SickKids,” Adam said. “SickKids has a huge research institute and we wanted to make a difference not only for children currently undergoing treatment, but also to fund new methods of treatment, and ideally, prevention.”

Two years ago, Hart watched his cousin go through cancer treatment at SickKids and saw first-hand the compassionate care the staff at SickKids provide. It helped inform their decision on where to allocate the funds raised from their climb.

“We decided to donate funds to the Cancer Genetics Program,” Hart said. “It’s relatively new and has limited funding, so our relatively small contribution can make a huge difference for these doctors and researchers and future generations of children with cancer.”

Adam and Hart hope to raise $20,000 this year for Summit for SickKids. They are holding a fundraiser called “A Night at the Summit” on Thursday, November 17, which features hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, dancing, a silent auction and more.

To learn more about Summit for SickKids, visit Hart and Adam’s website and Facebook page.