(picture taken after summiting Everest)

Every day we all have the opportunity to meet somebody new and learn something about them. Maybe it is a new neighbor, or a friend of a friend, or someone you bump into while walking your dog. On some occassions though, you run into somebody that, flat out, makes you say, "wow!". Last Saturday, I had that moment when I was able to sit down and chat with Sean Swarner. Before meeting with Sean, I knew about his incredible story and I knew he was a survivor, a fighter, and more.

For those of you who don't know who Sean Swarner is, get to know him. Whether that be through reading his story, meeting him in person or following him on social media. This is one incredible man. Sean was diagnosed with two completely different types of cancer, once at the age of 13 and again at the age of 16 where he was given fourteen days to live and read his last rights. He astounded the medical community when he survived both these brutal diseases and a medical-induced coma. After beating both cancers, he realized that there wasn't any challenge out there that he couldn't handle or any peak too high. With that in mind, he crested the peak of the highest point in the world (Mount Everest) with only partial use of his lungs. As the first cancer survivor to do so, Sean decided to continue climbing and has since topped the highest peaks in Africa, Europe, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and North America.

Sean stopped into the Wigwam booth at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, UT and right away, the warmth of his personality and attitude humbled me instantly. With integrity, and honesty, he and I discussed possible opportunities for Wigwam to collaborate with his cause and potential sponsorship. Sean is the founder of a non-profit organization called CancerClimber, an organization that delivers hope through inspiration. The mission? To help those who have been touched by cancer focus on living an active, healthy lifestyle. Although we could have kept on chatting for another hour, I learned that there was so much more to Sean in the short time he was at our booth. The best thing about Sean? He KEEPS SMILING just as much as he KEEPS CLIMBING. His strong spirit mixed with deep determination is something that very few people have in this world.

Sean isn't just a cancer survior, he is an inspiration. Someone who touches hearts and minds every day. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with Sean for the 2011 year and beyond. Please check out Seans website and be sure to donate to his cause at www.CancerClimber.org.

Hats (and socks!) off to you Sean! - Natalie

Sean's ESPN video
Sean's Livestrong video