West Seattle couple takes on breast cancer – as a climb to conquer

By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

“Congratulations! You have Breast Cancer…” is the headline of the first entry in Lisa Town’s online diary “The C Word,” which she started in September 2008.

Irreverence, combined with physical and mental strength and a strong network of support, has brought Lisa to where she is today — a place of well-being, health and optimism. And now her biggest supporter is taking a big step to help others get to the place she’s reached – a fundraising climb that can use your support.

But first, more of Lisa’s story: After a lifetime of health challenges, her diagnosis of breast cancer at the relatively young age of 43, followed by a double mastectomy in February of last year, seemed both “routine, yet surprising. I thought I was done with all that. I kept looking around for cameras, wondering if I was on a reality tv show.”

Lisa gives credit to her network of supporters who helped her face this latest challenge. The Young Survival Coalition is a support group for women under 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.( Lisa appreciates the wiggle room they allowed for her extra few years!)

Her greatest ally and supporter, however, has been her husband, David Town. At the time of Lisa’s diagnosis, they had been married 10 months. David recalls his reaction at the time: “This was really happening, and it’s human nature to step up (when needed). You may question yourself…but ultimately you’re with the person you love and you do it.”

“Stepping up and doing it” is a theme in the Lisa and David Town partnership—the two have a long history of participating in fundraisers for causes important to them. “We’re huge Pearl Jam fans, and we participated in fundraisers for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America in honor of Mike McCready, the band’s guitar player, who has Crohn’s Disease.”

After Lisa’s diagnosis, their fundraising focus began to shift toward cancer research and cancer care organizations. “There was an interesting mix during the most recent Pearl Jam shows in Seattle. We know Laura Trafton, who heads the Wishlist Foundation — a non-profit charitable organization run by Pearl Jam fans. For each Pearl Jam concert a charity is selected to receive donations raised in pre-concert parties. We asked Laura if the Young Survivor Coalition could be one of the beneficiaries of Seattle’s fundraisers.” The event raised $13,000, which was split between YSC and one other group. Laughing, they add: “We talked to Mike (McCready) about our shift in focus. He said he understands!”

They further committed themselves to fundraising for cancer research by running in this year’s Komen Race for the Cure. Then, they received a flyer in the mail from REI, listing upcoming events including a seminar discussing the annual “Climb To Fight Breast Cancer” benefiting Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The seminar took place on November 12 — David’s birthday: “I went to the seminar, but by that time, I already knew I was going to do it. I’d done ‘Alpine Scrambles’ (steep hikes with no gear) but always aspired to climb Mount Rainier. (The Climb) is combining two of my passions: mountain climbing and my wife.”

The Alpine Scrambles are something Lisa and David do together; they’ve completed more than 15 trips this year. However, David is increasing his training in order to climb Mt. Rainier this July. Along with his strength and cardio training, he’s hiking every weekend on trails with elevation gains of 1,000 feet per mile.

David’s efforts can be tracked via his website, climb4cure.blogspot.com (which he has discussed in the WSB Forums). His efforts encompass not just the physical training part of the climb — this is a fundraiser benefiting cancer research, and David must raise $5,000 by April 1: “We broke $1,000 and we’re really excited!” If he doesn’t raise the other $4,000 through donations by April, he’s “on the hook” to pay the entire amount.

Donations can be made to David through his site (or, here’s the direct link to donate). He and Lisa are planning their own fundraisers to meet the $5,000 goal, such as events with YSC, local businesses and eBay auctions of rare Pearl Jam posters they own. David notes: “Climbing Mt. Rainier is less than half the challenge — raising money is the main focus right now.”

He adds: “I often compare Lisa’s breast cancer to a mountain climb, but hers is an expedition rather than a weekend hike — hers will affect the rest of her life. I’m just trying to do my little part to help people.”

Again – here’s Lisa’s site; here’s David’s site.

6 Replies to "West Seattle couple takes on breast cancer - as a climb to conquer"

  • Greg January 4, 2010 (7:51 am)

    David and Lisa are two of the greatest people one could ever meet. I’m sure they’d greatly appreciate donations as they tackle that $5,000 goal!

  • Renae January 4, 2010 (9:39 am)

    David and Lisa ~ You guys are amazing! Good luck with your current endeavor!!!

  • Debbi Knopp January 4, 2010 (12:51 pm)

    You, my lifelong friend, are always an inspiration to me. To have overcome so much, not only cancer, but the other health & life issues also and to retain such a positive outlook on life and living life. You make me strive to be the best person I can be. Thank you and I love you!

  • Bonnie Jordan January 5, 2010 (6:21 am)

    Hey Lisa, Just wanted to say how very proud I am of you! I’m with Deb in that you are truly and inspiration!
    Hey, I’m coming out to B.C. next summer for like 2 months and I really want to see you. Perhaps we can do a climb together…I’d love that!

    Continued good health to you and yours and may the good lord always keep you in his care as you continue on your courageous journey!

    Happy Happy New year to you and David and sending lots of love to you….from “Home”!!! :o)

  • Donna Zincone January 7, 2010 (8:55 am)

    Amazing story. You are truly an inspiration and I understand your struggles. You may know my sister Maria Miller.(I’m a Pearl Jam fan too!) I too am a breast cancer survivor. I was diaganosed at age 40 (literally 12 mths after being married). I am hitting my 5 year cancer free mark this February 11th. I participate every year in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at Jones Beach, Long Island. This year I raised $2800.00
    I will be more than happy to contribute to your cause (actually ours). Good luck, best of everything and God bless. Donna Z.

  • Cindy January 14, 2010 (2:22 pm)

    I’m a 2-time bc survivor and thriver – and have been totally revived by a dvd i just found made for women with breast cancer called ‘The Path of Wellness And Healing.’ It’s like an encyclopedia for breast cancer but it’s also moving, inspiring, the whole nine. Every doctor from deepak Chopra to Dean Ornish is on it and every celeb bc survivor from Sheryl Crow to Melissa Ethridge. So awesome!!!

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