Amanda Baxter

I'm fundraising for...

"No one should have to face Cancer alone."

I've chosen to climb again this year not only as a personal goal and achievement, but also to represent and support those who have battled Cancer, are fighting it now or who we have lost the battle.

 I am so thankful to have my father today who had battled cancer when I was younger and he went through it almost alone. He is the strongest man I know and I want to excel and achieve as much as he has in his life. His strength, his drive, his heart are like no other. I've looked up to this man since the day I saw him. Knowing he went through that process almost alone and keeping us without hurt or sadness is only described as selfless. I do not want any family to have to go through what he did. He fought, he conquered. I thank my lucky stars everyday for this man. I can't even explain the hoops this man jumped through while he was fighting cancer and supporting his children. He gave us the world even when he had nothing. I am truly thankful that he made it. He beat it. This man is my hero. Im climbing for you, Dad.

I am also climbing for my grandma. Grandma "B". The softest, sweetest and happiest lady I've ever known. She truly loved her grandchildren. She would always have the house stocked up of snacks cause she knew we would stop by their place after school. She always had such a gift for being crafty and her love for sitting in the living room while grandpa watched his shows, she would be under her lamp cross stitching. He baking, he cooking, her home.. was always immaculate and smelt amazing. A women like no other. She was diagnosed with cancer when i was 11. She fought her hardest and spent as much time possible with her family, in the sun, in her beautiful garden just embracing and soaking in every moment. She loved. She loved everyone and everything with all her heart. She was peaceful, kind, giving and most of all inspirational. She passed away just a few days after my birthday. She promised she wouldn't miss it and she kept her promise. She was so strong and so passionate for her family. I'm climbing for Grandma B. I love you and miss you every single day. 

Lastly, I am climbing for my Grandpa Baxter. A man who too loved like no other. Like father.. like son. His faith, his hard work, his heart and his family are always what I remember most. He was always good for showing up at any time of day, with a bucket of chicken and stories for everyone. He has so much love in his heart for his grandchildren. He always had a way to make us smile and even giggle. He was always have an item in his pocket or van that he found while working or going on his adventures. I always loved finding out what new item he had to show and tell us about. He always had willingness to help out wherever he could and if he couldn't, he sure as heck tried! He was well known for his "stuff" and accumulating his treasures. He too was diagnosed with cancer but still wanted to spend all of his time with his family. He did. I will always remember his contagious smile, his warmth, tight hugs, the odd head noogie and his voice. He fought hard. Thank you for the love and kindness you've given me. I love you Grandpa, Im Climbing for you. 

I hope you have read this and had someone you thought of who has been through or is going through this horrible thing called cancer and can help me raise money toward WellSpring Calgary. I thank you for taking the time and cannot wait to climb and conquer this challenge again.