The Climb Against Cancer was first held on October 17, 1998, to raise awareness and funds for Valley resident Jennifer Hill.

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A core group of UNH alumni and friends had gathered to brainstorm ways to help Jennifer financially during her course of radiation and chemotherapy to fight her brain cancer. They decided on a “hike-fundraiser” at Cranmore Mountain Resort, hoping that 500 hikers would participate in this “climb against cancer” and raise money for Jennifer.

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The response was overwhelming! More than 300 people from throughout New England climbed the slopes that day and raised close to $50K. Although Jennifer was too ill to attend, she had asked the group to distribute the money to other area cancer patients. Thus a fund and an organization – Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation – were established.