CHS alum preps for 2nd annual climb for cancer
By Jay TurnerOne year after climbing to the summit of Mt. Rainier in support of melanoma research, Canton native Cassandra Kral-Dillon and good friend Jean Hajjar are headed back to the Cascade mountains — this time to tackle the north ridge of Mt. Baker, an active, glaciated stratovolcano with a peak of 10,781 feet.
Kral-Dillon and Hajjar in the Alps
The fundraiser, known as the Cronin Climb for Cancer, will benefit the Mass. General Hospital Melanoma Fund in honor of Kral-Dillon’s uncle, the late Mike Cronin.
Cronin, according to his niece, was a “husband, father, CEO, board member, and humanitarian,” as well as a globe-trotting adventurer who always returned home with the “most amazing stories and pictures.” He died of cancer on April 10, 2011, at the age of 72.
“He was always interested and hopeful of what the next clinical trial might bring for his cancer treatment,” explains Kral-Dillon on her fundraising page at give.massgeneral.org. “Unfortunately there wasn’t a cure for him, but I am hopeful someday we will have a cure for everyone. Until that day arrives I want to help fund Mass General’s trials for others who rely on them for a cure or even a few more years of life.”
Kral-Dillon, a former star athlete at Canton High School and Smith College, has successfully climbed over a half-dozen major peaks alongside her friend Hajjar, including Shuksan (9,131), Sharkfin Tower (8,120), Sahale (8,680), Pollux (13,425), Breithorn (13,661), and Weismiss (13,211), as well as last year’s climb to the summit of Mt. Rainier (14,410).
Both are looking forward to their latest climb, which is planned for Monday, July 1, and they are eager to raise as much money as possible for melanoma research and care.
“I’m sure we all know someone who has battled cancer in one form or another,” Kral-Dillon said. “Please help MGH in their efforts to find a cure.”
To learn more about the Cronin Climb for Cancer or to make a donation, go to www.give.massgeneral.org. Donations can also be made via check — payable to “Massachusetts General Hospital” with “Cronin Climb for Cancer” on the memo line — and sent to Mass General Development Office, Community Fundraising Program, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=21173
Posted by Jay Turner
on Jun 20 2013. Filed under News.
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