Day #25 – A trip to Gainesville the Founders of the Climb for Cancer Foundation; Ron & Dianne Farb
Less than 130 miles north of Tampa are the founders of a
cancer organization called the Climb for Cancer Foundation nestled in the town
of Gainesville, Florida. We are set to meet the founders: Ron & Dianne
Farb who started their foundation. One of their largest fundraisers they do is
through their climbing excursions they’ve put together throughout the years.
Ron’s largest fundraiser was when he climbed Mount Everest with a group of
people on a 67 day excursion which raised their cause just under $200,000!! Ron,
who is beyond passionate about their cause spent his own money to prepare for
and pay for the trip. WOW talk about dedication! Ron and Dianne started their
organization 12.5 years ago and have raised over $1.5 million to support cancer
patients and various programs through Shands Medical Center.
Our drive to Gainesville was a quick one, even being 2 hours
away. We had some sprinkles, some heavy rain and lots and lots of greenery that
surrounded us. When we arrived at their home, it’s gorgeous. Dianne is a writer
of romance novels, as well as an attorney. Ron has done more in his life that
most and as a retiree, he not only volunteers for his cause, but also for the
pediatric ward at Shands Hospital’s Pediatric center. In my eyes they are quite
a power couple with a passion for what they do and life! While Ron has never
had cancer, his sister did and unfortunately had succumb to the disease,
through their organization they have a special program named after his sister
Harriett called Harriet’s Helping Hands a program meant to offer financial
support for cancer patients through Shands Hospital for gasoline cards, lodging
and food vouchers. They also donate money in the form of grants to different
programs and special requests from Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida.
Such requests have included PS4’s and Xbox’s for the pediatric center and a
machine that acts as a distraction for children getting treatments. Patients
that apply for support through the program are not chosen by The Climb for Cancer
Foundation but by the social workers at the hospital. This is an exceptional
organization with so much heart and I was beyond thankful to find them and
connect with them. Ron has an amazing love for climbing excursions and has
climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro 6 times, this mountain located in Africa is over 19,000
feet!
Doryn and I stayed the night, we all enjoyed a delicious meal
prepared by Dianne of salad, chicken and three grain rice with a fresh fruit
dessert. I spent part of the evening talking with Ron & Dianne and learning
all about them and their remarkable foundation. They were so wonderful for
hosting us. Tomorrow
Ron, Doryn and I go meet a dental professional, whose husband works in oncology
and knows about dental deterioration, plus we’ll be visiting a local cancer
center! I can’t wait to hear what Dr. Gibbs thinks of our UCAAN CARE
Preventative Dental Program.
What else I love about this couple is the fact that we share the same views that there's not enough financial support for cancer patients and there needs to be more. They love what we're doing, so it's great to have their support for our vision!
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