Joan’s quest

Joan Gould was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 1997, and subsequently underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. In the spring of 1999, Joan—with her "can do" attitude—began organizing a hike to the summit of South Sister. In preparation for the trek, Joan and her husband, Robin, led monthly hikes for a group of cancer survivors and their supporters, each increasing in difficulty. Their training culminated in a climb to the top of South Sister on September 11, 1999, a daunting goal for any athlete with its 4,900-ft elevation gain in 5.5 miles.

Robin & Joan Gould

South Sisters

Remaining active

After five years of being free of any signs of cancer, Joan began experiencing some discomfort in her shoulder blade. It turned out to be metastatic breast cancer, and Joan started a treatment program that grew more aggressive over the next four years.

As her disease progressed, it was more difficult for Joan—an avid golfer who enjoyed hiking, biking, running, and snowshoeing—to remain as active as she had been in the past, but she still managed to play golf regularly and walk her dog, Casey, every day.

Joan and fellow cancer survivor at the summit in 1999

Setting lofty goals

Joan valiantly fought this invasive disease until she died on October 6, 2006. Robin led training hikes throughout the spring and summer of 2007 in preparation for the same trek to the summit of South Sister to honor Joan.

Fifty-five hikers—cancer survivors and friends—left the trailhead at various times the morning of Sept 15, 2007. Depending on age and conditioning, some planned to hike part way up while others were determined to reach the summit.

Although the main objective of the hike organizers was not so much about peaking but about encouraging cancer survivors to participate and be in community, 24 hikers reached the summit that day, some who had never done any wilderness or mountain hiking before the series of training hikes.

South Sister Summit Quest

2007

We made it!!