Since the first Survivors at the Summit in 1996, we have made the journey to the summit annually to support those impacted by cancer.
THE FIRST SUMMIT
In 1996, the founding members of Cancer Wellness House - a group of local oncologists, cancer survivors and community members - hiked to the summit of King’s Peak, the highest peak in Utah.
They carried flags inscribed with the names of and messages to friends, family members and loved ones. They hiked first to the base camp, spent the night, and ten of the twelve cancer survivors hiked to the summit the next day. At the summit, the flags were displayed. Members read the names and messages on the flags both out to the skies and into a walkie-talkie so those at base camp could hear. Tears were shed and memories shared as they hiked down. Both a bond and a tradition were started on that three-day journey.
This first summit was called “Expedition Inspiration”, after a similar event held on the east coast. The name of the event was officially changed to “Survivors at the Summit” for the following year’s hike.
THE FOUNDING OF CANCER WELLNESS HOUSE
In 1997, after the first summit, those same individuals founded Cancer Wellness House - now known as Survivor Wellness. Holy Cross Hospital donated the use of the building at 59 S 1100 E in Salt Lake City, which formerly held the Holy Cross Foundation, and, prior to that, was the private home of the Montgomery Family for 50 years.
The founders of Cancer Wellness House knew that the programming offered at the newly-established nonprofit improved quality of life and health outcomes for the cancer survivors who walked through the doors.
In that day and age, if you received a cancer diagnosis, you generally went to the hospital and returned home, hoping for the best. But the founders knew that the services provided at the “59 House” were remarkably helpful in treating the effects of cancer treatment on not only the physical, but also the mental, emotional, social and spiritual health of the people who engaged in the services. Programming at that time included group support, counseling, yoga & meditation and therapeutic bodywork - massage, acupuncture, reiki - that were not offered at hospitals and clinics at that time.
In fact, the mission statement of Cancer Wellness House included - and still includes - the words “in a home-like setting”, to ensure that the impact of the setting would always be an important part of the mission.
In 2020, the name changed to Survivor Wellness, but the mission remained the same - to provide services and support for those impacted by cancer in a home-like setting.
Visit Survivor Wellness to experience this in person.
SURVIVORS AT THE SUMMIT - THE NEXT GENERATION
Now officially known as “Survivors at the Summit”, the journey to King’s Peak continued for at least ten years. In 1998, Snowbird offered the use of Hidden Peak as a second Summit location, for those who were unable to make the arduous, three-day journey to King’s Peak.
The trademark yellow Tribute Flags - donated by Jack Kirkham of Kirkham’s Sporting Goods and Springbar Tents, and screen-printed by students at Skyline High School - were displayed at the summit of Hidden Peak and the Celebration of Life became an annual summer tradition through 2023.
In 2024, a new tradition began, as Survivors at the Summit moved to Brighton Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon. With 400 participants, thousands of Tribute Flags, breakfast, lunch, hikes and activities, lift rides and views and the moving Celebration of Life, this day in the mountains supports Survivor Wellness.
Your participation ensures that Survivor Wellness continues to do the important work of providing cancer survivors and caregivers with dignity, hope and resilience.
We have been hiking for nearly 30 years to honor our loved ones and make a difference in the lives of those living with cancer.
Won’t you join in?
All proceeds from Survivors at the Summit benefit Survivor Wellness, a cancer care community in the heart of Salt Lake City.
Cancer Wellness House dba Survivor Wellness is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 87-0568405