Climbing for a Cure

Twenty three year-old David Angert was first introduced to scleroderma through family friends who were closely associated with the disease.  After learning the story behind the Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) and remarkable tenacity of the late Sharon Monsky (a scleroderma patient and founder of the SRF), he was personally moved to join the fight and make a difference in the lives of scleroderma patients everywhere. 

In June 2004, David set out to climb Denali (Mt. McKinley, Alaska).  At 20,310 feet, Denali is the highest summit in North America and one of the world’s “Seven Summits” (the highest point on each continent).

“Sharon’s inspiration was my motivation to climb Mt. McKinley as a fundraiser for scleroderma,” said David in an interview with the SRF.  “I am preparing to start medical school in the fall of 2004, and one of my strong interests is in genetics research.  I am currently working in a genetics lab at the University of California Santa Barbara.  My goal in climbing Mt. McKinley is to raise money for a post-doctoral fellowship specifically for scleroderma research.  Such research is clearly necessary to find a cure for this debilitating and deadly disease."

David expressed his thoughts in the following letter to the SRF:

Climbing a mountain is a fitting metaphor for this endeavor.  The physical training is comparable to research in the lab, and the climbing itself is indicative of the process.   The ultimate goal, the summit or the cure, is not always attainable on the first try, but we will give it everything we’ve got to try to get there as quickly and efficiently as we can, and that’s what matters in the end.  My pledge is to raise money and awareness for scleroderma research, and to bring Sharon Monsky’s goal, finding a cure, closer to fruition.  I hope that we can have your support in reaching this goal which, with your help, is getting closer by the day.  Thank you, David Angert

To make a contribution to the SRF in David Angert’s honor, please click here or call the Foundation directly at 800-441-CURE.

All of us at the SRF commend David for his dedication to a cure. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Alpine Ascents International, one of the world’s premier expedition outfitters – specializing in treks and expeditions to each of the world’s “seven summits.” As the exclusive sponsor of David’s Climb for a Cure campaign, we thank them for recognizing the importance of scleroderma awareness and appreciate their generosity. For more information on Alpine Ascents, visit their Web site at www.alpineascents.com