Alumnus and Author to Speak Oct. 19 on Surviving Cancer and Climbing Mt. Everest
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sean Swarner, a 1997 Westminster College alumnus and author, will present "Keep Climbing" Sunday, Oct. 19, at 8:15 p.m. in Orr Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
Swarner is believed to be the only person worldwide to be diagnosed with both Hodgkin's disease and Askin's sarcoma. A decade after the removal of the Askin's tumor from his right lung and with only partial use of his lungs, Swarner became the first cancer survivor to climb Mt. Everest.
He has since climbed the highest peaks in Africa, Europe, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and North America, and recently completed the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship. His next goal is to trek to each of the world's poles, which will earn him the designation as the first person to complete what will be known as the "Ultimate Adventure Grand Slam."
Swarner is president and co-founder of the CancerClimber Association, a non-profit organization that motivates cancer patients to inspire each other; chief spokesman for the International Spirit of Life Foundation; and author of Keep Climbing: How I Beat Cancer and Reached the Top of the World.
Swarner, a former member of Westminster's swim team, graduated with a degree in psychology.
The presentation is sponsored by Westminster's Student Athlete Advisory Council with assistance from the Office of the Chapel and Church Relations.
Contact Jim Dafler, Westminster director of athletics, at (724) 946-7313 or e-mail daflerje@westminster.edu for more information.
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