Stan Sagner was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland to a very close-knit family with roots in both the US and Argentina. As a child, Stan lost his grandmother to leukemia, and in the past several months, has again lost to cancer two dear and important family friends: Barbara Cahn, and Nancy Roche. It is in their honor, and in support of all families and friends who are affected by this unfortunately ubiquitous disease, that Stan dedicates his efforts with Everest Rocks.

Stan is a regular marathon runner, often for charities benefiting cancer research. He’s been both a participant and a mentor for Team in Training (TNT): The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and has also run ten major marathons, including New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Big Sur. Aside from running, Stan is an avid mountaineer and loves experiencing other cultures and cuisines throughout his travels. He’s visited over 40 countries, and has trekked and climbed the mountains of Chile, Peru, Argentina and Ecuador. It’s been a lifelong dream of his to visit the Himalayas, but the realization of this coupled with this greater purpose of generating greater cancer awareness and raising funds for research and prevention is what instills this journey with real meaning.

Stan has a BA and an MBA from Columbia University, and is Managing Director of International Channel Development for Hearst Entertainment & Syndication. Prior to this, he worked as a market strategist for Viacom International. He speaks 5 languages, and has lived and worked in Japan, France, Argentina and the US. Stan is also completing an education with the French Culinary Institute in New York City.

Scott Thompson is originally from the Oklahoma City area and moved to Dallas in 1993 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. Scott has worked in the field of wellness and preventive healthcare for the last 7+ years. He worked with WinningHabits, a startup company focused on providing wellness programs to employer groups, beginning in 1999 and is now Senior Vice President of Wellness Operations for Matria Healthcare, an Atlanta-based company that provides population health enhancement solutions to employers and health plans. In addition to offering wellness and prevention programs, Matria also provides comprehensive cancer treatment support programs for their clients’ employees and members. Prior to joining Matria, Scott was a management and technology consultant with Accenture.

Scott’s aunt, Elaine, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2000. She was treated with chemotherapy and pronounced cancer-free about a year later, but in 2003 her doctors found that her cancer had returned. She was treated with chemotherapy and radiation and while the cancer did spread to her ribs and skull, it is dormant now and being managed through medication. Elaine has maintained an incredibly positive attitude throughout the ordeal, and was blessed with her first grandchild just after her second diagnosis in 2003. Scott has joined the Everest Rocks trek team in honor of Elaine, and in memory of Melissa Hanner, who died of non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 1989 at the young age of 21. Melissa was the best friend of Scott’s significant other, Kristen, and she continues to be inspired by the beauty of Melissa’s life when she was with us.

Scott has participated in several community-based volunteer organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and he firmly believes in living the life you want to live today. Scott’s passions for music, travel and adventure have come together with this incredible opportunity to raise awareness and funding for cancer patients and research, and he is honored to be a part of the Everest Rocks team.

Born in Waco, Texas, Dan Sullivan grew up and currently lives and works in Dallas, Texas. First of all, Dan would like to thank everyone who donates to Love Hope Strength.

Dan has had indirect dealings with cancer throughout the years; first when his close friend in the 8th grade who fought and lost his battle with Cancer and then with the loss of his grandfather in 1999.

More recently, Dan’s family went through an intense struggle when his Step Brother Phil was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. Phil fought a tough battle loosing a portion of his right hip, and then loosing his entire leg. After several surgeries and 2 years of fighting hard Phil lost his battle in 2004 at the age of 22.

In January 2007 Dan was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). ACC is a very rare type of cancer that, in Dan’s case, appears to be relatively non-aggressive. As fortune as Dan feels about the type of cancer he has, the reality of enduring 7 weeks of daily radiation therapy has proved to be emotionally and physically challenging. Dan is expecting a full recovery, but ACC has a high percentage rate of remanifesting itself over a 10 to 20 year period.

Dan also found out on July 7 that Dick Knox, a longtime family friend was diagnosed with cancer in his liver and pancreas. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Knox family and Dan will be making the trek in Dick’s honor and in support of his fight.

Dan has know Jim Chippendale for a while and is exited to have joined up with Love Hope Strength Foundation to help impact the lives of cancer patients and survivors. “Having seen so many suffer from cancer, I feel very fortunate, even with ACC, and I want to help impact others in a positive way. Love Hope Strength Foundation is an amazing platform for this.”

Meghan Buchanan is an Aerospace Engineer with Lockheed Martin in Denver, Co. Leading Spacecraft Survivability, she works on the newly awarded NASA Orion CEV contract (the next generation of manned space flight). When she’s not building rockets, most of Meghan’s time is spent teaching aerobics, training and racing outdoor, spending time with friends, working on her masters in engineering, traveling, or finding the perfect Brunello.

Her passion for the outdoors started as a child, hiking the 14ers of Colorado with her father. Since then, she has trekked the Annapurna region of Nepal, areas of Thailand and summited Kilimanjaro. Traveling and experiencing the world is what drives her. If you can hike it, mountain bike, yoga, run, sea kayak, snowboard, or scuba it; she’s in. Meghan enjoys training for ½ marathons and mountain sport triathlons. Balancing her out, Meghan loves to read non-fiction, will travel the world for a big old world red wine, loves massages and pedicures with the girls, and adores her sister and two puppies.

Her achievements include: 5280’s Top Hottest Singles of Denver, Reebok Alliance winner of Women Who Defy Convention, 2nd place at the Xterra Mountain Championship sport Triathlon 30-35, served on the board of Engineer Without Borders, the board of The American Wine Society of Denver, president of her HOA, numerous achievement awards for engineering, and some modeling. She feels this opportunity will trump them all.

Her Passion to raise cancer awareness is also strong. At age 8, Meghan lost her grandmother to several types of cancer. Her Aunt Barbara is currently fighting her third form of cancer (tough woman!). Most recently, a very good friend of hers underwent surgery to remove a grapefruit sized malignant tumor from his intestine and is preparing to face Chemo. She feels it is everyone’s responsibility to fight this disease whether you have it or not. Not only are you helping people you love, but could be saving your own life in the future.

“Accept opportunities, they’re sitting in your lap”.

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Thanks to the following companies for their support:

- A New Spirit Wellness Center- Thank you for your generous donation for MargsRock! This is the only place I go for massage!  There staff is the most technically trained I’ve had the pleasure of being rubbed down by ;P. They have brought back my range of movement in my rotator cuff and left IT band (maybe to many endos and snowboard wipe-outs).  Deep tissue is why i go, but i love to indulge in the flotation chamber.  Winner winner, chicken dinner, is it amazing! Also try the ionization foot bath, get the toxins sucked right out of your feet!  I LOVE you guys! A New Spirit Wellness Center, 303-477-1652, www.anewspirit.com

- Cru, A Wine Bar - THANK YOU to Stephen Dowd for the generosity of CruRocks!  Peter and I raised $4000 toward our efforts of Everest Rocks.  I approached Stephen and Cru because this is truly my favorite wine bar in Denver (not to mention its predecessor in Dallas).  The staff is incredible; the food is amazing and the private dining room rocks!  Cru Larimer Square, 303-825-0881, www.cruawinebar.com

- Dr. James Doran, Chiropractic Wellness Center - Dr. Doran listens and treats the source of the problem, not just the symptom.  Through acupuncture and occasional adjustments, Dr. Doran has kept me safe and healthy.  Snow boarding, mountain biking, running, etc. can tear you up!  I highly recommend the preventative care of chiropractic!  303-421-0705, www.drdoran.com

- Dr. Michael Menachof, Ears Nose Throat Specialist - I have undergone 2 sinus surgeries, removal of tonsils and adenoids, and allergy treatment for the last 2.5 years.  I would not be able to hike to Everest Base Camp without the help of Dr. Menachof.  Truly a talented doctor and amazing staff.  303-792-3242 www.advancedENTdenver.com

- Lime XS, Fresh Mexican Food and Mighty Margaritas!  Just a block away from me, this is one of my favorite restaurants.  One of the few places that make the perfect Coin Style Margarita (tequila, cointreau, and fresh lime juice).  The wait staff is way friendly and Angelita, manager, treats you like an old friend.  Thanks for hosting MargsRock! A total success. Lime XS (6th and Clarkson), 303-722-LIME, www.eatatlime.com

- Outdoor Divas - the only place for the active woman to shop!  Not only do they sell the cutest quality gear/clothing available, but offer amazing classes to women featuring outdoor skill building and talks from professional female athletes from around the globe.  No where else can you get a top of the line female snowboard, a baby blue skin shirt for scuba and a pink nalgene with flowers on it, at the same place!  If i’m gonna get bloody, muddy and sweat, at least i can look cute doing it ;P Boulder, Denver and online, 866-449-DIVA, www.outdoordivas.com 

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Pamplona Rocks!

On July 8th, I ran with the Bulls of Pamplona during San Fermin in Spain!  You will notice the stylish and versatile Love Hope Strength Cuff adorning my wrist.  It’s the hottest fashion accessory on every travelers list ;P  Thanks to Jason, Jason and Jarrett for running with me and then checking out the website! Watch out Everest, here I come!

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Training continues on the BUCKSNORT!!!!! 

My favorite riding partner, photographer and boss, Michael Saemisch and I took on the Bucksnort Mountain Bike ride last friday  from Waterton Canyon to the Bucksnort Saloon in Pine.  32 miles of rock, dirt, sweat and thinking “I’m an idiot”.  Just kidding!  Thanks for the training! www.powderday.us

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MARGSROCK!!!!!!!

Thanks to LIME XS for hosting a Love Hope Strength Marg and Patio party!  Even though i picked the only cold summer day in Denver, there was a great turn out and the Margs kept us warm.  Thanks again to everyone that participated and donated!  Me like Margies!!!!

Special Thanks to A New Spirit Wellness Center and Outdoor Divas for their generous silent auction donations.  Please look above for details about these amazing places.  The only place i go for massage (to ease the torture i do for my body, like 32 mile mountain bike rides) is A New Spirit.  And for the best in gear, Outdoor Divas is it (and they have pink stuff) - Below: Meghan, Shannon & Aden

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Keystone and Aspen Training - I think next year, we need to do a “Girls of Love Hope Strength” Calendar!!!!!!  Go gettem’ Ladies! (Julie, Meghan, Shannon, Stephanie)

Mark met James Chippendale while attending college at Arizona State University and they have maintained a close friendship over the past 18 years. Mark lives in Dallas, TX and has two very active little boys, Ford (6) and Payne (4). Mark is an owner of Wink Bath & Body which manufactures and distributes bath products to national retailers such as Target, Family Dollar, Big Lots and Kroger. He has run 2 marathons over the past year and maintains fitness and sobriety as core principal values. Mark isn’t even close to being a mountain climber, unless you consider Camelback in Scottsdale, AZ a mountain; but nonetheless is looking forward to this great event and challenge.

Mark is dedicating his Everest Rocks trek to his good friend Chip as a tribute for his continuous dedication in his fight against cancer, and his passion to increase awareness and hope for a cure.