When Alex Pancoe successfully beat brain cancer nine years ago, he marked his victory in a death-defying and incredibly Chicago way.
He embarked on a journey to climb the seven summits - the highest mountains on each of the seven continents – and fly a Chicago Cubs “W” flag at their peaks. And he did it all to help children battling cancer.
Each time the expert-level climber summits, he raises money for brain tumor research and kids at Lurie Children’s Hospital.
“Everyone [at Lurie Children’s Hospital] is climbing their own metaphorical Everest,” Pancoe said. “I don’t consider myself a very special guy, I’m just a hard worker. So, if I can climb Everest, I’d like to think it inspires people.”
Pancoe started a non-profit Peaks of Mind, where the Cubs fan scales the highest peaks around the globe, dedicating each summit to a child.
“[The W flag has] now been to four of the seven summits,” he said. “A lot of places.”
The W, he said, for winning against all odds and wanting your life to count.
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“Without people like Alex, funds wouldn’t be raised and trials wouldn’t go ahead,” said Lucy Dennis, whose 2-year-old son River is benefitting from Pancoe’s efforts.
Pancoe leaves for the Himalayas next week, where he’s climbing for River.
Donations for Pancoe's efforts can be made here.
