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Yearly event raises money for Gibbs Cancer Center

 

TRYON – John Cash, owner of Nature’s Storehouse in Tryon, will hold the 13th annual Climb to Conquer Cancer fundraiser event on April 29 at 8 a.m.

The fundraiser originated 13 years ago when a customer of Nature’s Storehouse who was a cancer survivor offered Cash $100 for each time he could reach the top of the Saluda Grade on a bicycle. Now, Cash and others do just that each year, cycling up and down Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda to raise awareness.

The Climb to Conquer Cancer has raised approximately $120,000 for the Gibbs Cancer and Research Institute in Spartanburg, averaging eight to ten thousand dollars each year. 

Cash also lost both of his parents and his sister to cancer, which got him involved in the Gibbs Cancer Survivorship Program. 

“We’re all affected by cancer, directly or indirectly”, said Cash.

Each year, Cash makes 10 trips up the Grade; a total of 80 miles, which takes roughly about six hours.

Cash also has some local regulars who ride with him each year. Some are cancer survivors, some currently undergoing treatment, and some just want to show their support. The event has even been attended by 17-time Tour De France rider and 5-time Olympian, George Hincapie.

Climb to Conquer Cancer would also like to recognize the community and its contributions, particularly Buck’s Pizza for food donation, and Caro-Mi Restaurant for allowing the event to use its parking lot for its start and finish. 

“This is the most giving, generous community I have ever lived in, and I want to thank everyone for giving,” said Cash. 

Donations to Climb to Conquer Cancer are tax deductible. For more information, call Nature’s Storehouse at (828) 859-6356.