Many of you know my backstory but for those who do not, I have long supported Lurie Children's Hospital (where I was treated for a brain tumor in 2005) as an advocate, a board member, and through my love of climbing.  From 2016-2019 I completed the Explorer's Grand Slam - an adventure and endurance challenge that involves climbing the 7 summits and skiing to both the North and South Pole.  Along the way I dedicated climbs to current patients battling brain tumors, raised awareness, and funding for research.

In late 2022 I was climbing Ama Dablam in the Himalayas when I struggled physically with the altitude in a way I never had.  Months later a routine physical revealed I had Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.  Although this cancer is indeed chronic in many cases, thanks to treatment breakthroughs over the past several decades - it can usually be controlled by a drug called a "TKI".  

As soon as I recieved my diagnosis, a fire was lit in me.  I knew I needed to get my cancer controlled and climb something big!  In April of 2025, I am leaving for the Himalayas to attempt Makalu.  Although it's not as tall as Everest, Makalu is the 5th highest mountain in the world and more technical, as well as physical than Everest.  

Along the way to the summit at 27,838 feet, I am hoping with the help of friends, family, and the community to raise $27,838 dollars to support pediatric research at Lurie Children's Hospital - specifically for blood cancers.

This is going to be a massive challenge for me.  How my body will respond to altitude is a guess to me.  I am motivated and determined to get the done and come home safely.  A lot has changed for me since I climbed Everest.  A wife and two young kids at home and ofcourse cancer. I am very fortunate with my prognosis.  Not everyone is as fortunate.  Let's climb high and help raise some awareness and hope along the way!

As these numbers include donations from previous adventures - we will have raised $27,838 when we hit the number $314,639. 

-Alex Pancoe

Please see my site at https://www.peaksofmind.org to track my progress and efforts!