Jamison Birrells Mt Rainier 2020 Climb for a Cause

Some of you have heard this before - but for those who need a refresher here it goes!

In marrying Rachel, I married her family. I gained brothers, sisters, papa & nana - and above all, a lot of nephews and nieces. 

It was back in 2014 that I remember one Friday night when Rachel called me crying saying that Mason, our 4 year old nephew, was being taken to Seattle Children's and that my parents needed to watch Stone because she was leaving work to go to the hospital. I remember freezing because I couldn't compute what was going on. My brain couldn't register that a 4 year old could be that sick. Should not be that sick. That weekend was a whirlwind of finding out his kindey needed to be removed due to cancer, that he was going to go thru chemo, that is was going to be a tough road - but that he'd pull thru. We spent that weekend at the hospital filled with family and so much love. And every time I looked at my nephew, my heart hurt, but my head still couldn't grasp how such a tiny human could have to endure such a terrible thing. 

We ended up purposefully moving next to Jake and Bre to help out however we could - and the next few years of seeing what Mason had to fight thru was eye opening, but so was seeing what Bre & Jake & Bailey had to go thru. 

Ever since FOF was started, and ever since the climb for a cause started, I have wanted to do the climb, but couldnt due to a bad back (2 surgeries). I have wanted to contribute and make a difference in the lives of families going thru the heartache and disbelief of their child dealing with cancer. 

Last year was finally my year.

I trained religiously for a year- every weekend.
Rachel solo’d it with our 3 boys so I could go train on top of her full time job - it definitely was a “we are in this together” mentality. It was a lot. it was awesome. Imagine my anxiety finally going to Ashford to train with the team - To see that big mountain waiting to be summited. I was on cloud nine.

And then.. imagine my disappointment when we couldn’t summit due to weather. I was so humbled by all support I was given both financially and emotionally, and to be told we couldn’t continue broke my heart. However, the silver-lining was knowing how much we money raised to help families, knowing it all wasn’t done in vain. And now here I go again - ready to not just climb that mountain but raise money to help families. Last year I met so many families who were supported by FOF and I heard their heartbreaking yet inspirational stories that I was always brought back to the reality that I can help make a difference.

So here I go again.

Training.
Raising money.

Asking others to support myself so that we can all build awareness... all for the goal of supporting families who have to go through the unwanted journey of watching their child fight cancer.

Please support me and join me. 

Join me in making a difference.

With climbing I have not only committed to climb Mt. Rainier with an amazing team of climbers from around the country but committed to fundraising a min of $2000 to help reduce the everyday stress of families as they navigate the mountain that is childhood cancer!  But, with that, MY goal is actually $5000. I believe I have a strong support system of family and friends that can help me raise the money to sponsor a FAMILY. 

To donate, please click this link below.

https://www.mightycause.com/story/Jamisonclimb2020

(Check to see if your employer matches donations)