Rich Bennett (climb leader) and Dr. Chris Anderson, a Pediatric Electrophysiologist who practices in Spokane, Washington and friends will be climbing to the top of Mt. Rainier to raise money and awareness for SADS.

SADS staff, families, volunteers and friends will be on hand to cheer them on--and have a great time in the beautiful Mt. Rainier park.

Facts about the Climb

• Mt. Rainier, at 14,411 feet is the tallest mountain in the state of Washington
• It is the most heavily glaciated mountain in the lower 48 states
• We will be climbing the mighty Emmons glacier, which dominates the East face of the mountain
• Be aware: Mt. Rainier is a mountain loaded with challenges, including high altitude, yawning crevasses, extreme mountain weather, and other objective hazards
• Climbers will set their goal, whether it is simply to climb up to high camp at 10,000 to 11,000 feet where they can enjoy the views of the Cascade Range, or to go all the way to the top!  

If you are interested in climbing, the information below will explain more about the climb and your responsibility as a climber. Please This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested in climbing. All climbers must raise (or donate) a minimum of $500. (Microsoft Word documents):

 Introduction Letter

 Climber's Profile

 Climber's Medical Information

 Gear List

 Recommended Reading List for Mt. Rainier Climb

 Other Climber Information

Climbers 

Chris Anderson, MD

Why are you so passionate about SADS?

My father had Wolff-Parkinson-White, and would go into atrial fibrillation, faint, and do all sorts of bad things like that. His cardiologist told him he may die of a sudden arrhythmic death. He had an ablation fairly early in the days of catheter ablation and was cured. I thought, "well if I can do this for kids what Dr. Sonny Jackman did for my dad, that would really be something!" My professional goals very closely mirror the goals of SADS Foundation, and my vision is to expand the on those goals to build a national infrastructure that includes CPR training of all parents, teachers and coaches, widespread deployment of AED's, and markedly improved public awareness.

What do you hope to personally gain from participating in this climb?

To summit Mount Rainier , you know you've done something big! I personally want to experience that again, to see the views, to enjoy the cameraderie of climbing with others who share that sentiment. But most of all, I want to see the goals of the Foundation met. I can climb Mt Rainier with Harry, the Spokane Mountaineers, other friends anytime. What makes this climb special is the purpose behind it!

What do you hope SADS gains from this climb?

I want to see SADS grow, and to see the foundation of this national infrastructure become a reality. All we need is the ears of the right people to see it happen. Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and donate to me online. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate! So donate now. Many thanks for your support. 

Famous Climber John Roskelley to Join Climb 

Author and photographer, John Roskelley, is considered one of the world's top Himalayan climbers and adventurers. He has spent 41 years climbing throughout the world, successfully reaching the summit of four 8,000-meter peaks, including the two highest, Everest and K2. John's forte is climbing extreme rock and ice routes at high altitude and has set the bar worldwide with ascents of Uli Biaho in Pakistan in 1979, and Tawoche in Nepal in 1989, neither of which have been repeated.

John has written three adventure books and many articles for national magazines. His photography has appeared on the cover of National Geographic, numerous book and catalog covers, advertisements and posters.

John has offered to lead a separate team up Mt. Rainier. Climbers who donate $2,500 or more are welcome to join him. There are a limited number of spots available. If you are interested in joining him, please contact Jenny immediately at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We are so excited to have John join us! More information on the climbers will be posted soon!