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Keep Climbing: How I Beat Cancer and Reached the Top of the World
The 29,035-foot giant known as Mount Everest tortures its challengers with life-threatening conditions such as 100 mph winds, the dramatic loss of oxygen, snowstorms, and deadly avalanches. Climbers of Everest are faced with incredible dangers, but for Sean Swarner the obstacles he overcame prior to his summiting make his story even more compelling.
Sean isn't just a cancer survivor; he is truly a medical marvel. He is the only person in the world ever to have been diagnosed with both Hodgkin's disease and Askin's sarcoma. He was diagnosed in the fourth and final stage of Hodgkin's disease at the age of thirteen, when doctors expected him to live for no more than three months. He overcame his illness only to be stricken a second time when a deadly golf ball-sized tumor attacked his right lung. After removal of the Askin's tumor, Sean was expected to live for less than two weeks. A decade later and with only partial use of his lungs, Sean became famous for being the first cancer survivor to climb Mount Everest.
Sean's successful summiting of Mount Everest was driven not only by his desire to reach the highest peak in the world but also by his determination to use his accomplishment as a way to bring hope to others facing seemingly insurmountable odds. By showing those affected by cancer how he has conquered some of the most difficult obstacles life could offer, Sean inspires others with the will to live. Living proof that cancer patients can and do recover, his story will encourage those touched by cancer to dream big and never give up. Despite life's setbacks, Sean believes those dreams are always in reach.
Sean's story is not just about illness, heartache, and pain; it's about something greater. It's about hope. It's about helping others and never quitting. It's about personal battles with the elements and coming out on top of the world . . . literally.
Sean isn't just a cancer survivor; he is truly a medical marvel. He is the only person in the world ever to have been diagnosed with both Hodgkin's disease and Askin's sarcoma. He was diagnosed in the fourth and final stage of Hodgkin's disease at the age of thirteen, when doctors expected him to live for no more than three months. He overcame his illness only to be stricken a second time when a deadly golf ball-sized tumor attacked his right lung. After removal of the Askin's tumor, Sean was expected to live for less than two weeks. A decade later and with only partial use of his lungs, Sean became famous for being the first cancer survivor to climb Mount Everest.
Sean's successful summiting of Mount Everest was driven not only by his desire to reach the highest peak in the world but also by his determination to use his accomplishment as a way to bring hope to others facing seemingly insurmountable odds. By showing those affected by cancer how he has conquered some of the most difficult obstacles life could offer, Sean inspires others with the will to live. Living proof that cancer patients can and do recover, his story will encourage those touched by cancer to dream big and never give up. Despite life's setbacks, Sean believes those dreams are always in reach.
Sean's story is not just about illness, heartache, and pain; it's about something greater. It's about hope. It's about helping others and never quitting. It's about personal battles with the elements and coming out on top of the world . . . literally.
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 15, 2015
I had the opportunity to hear this author speak of his life experiences and as I am a cancer survivor and a reader of mountaineering literature it was an easy sell. Sean Swarner has a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that could light up a dark room. Its not hard to see why. The man has been given a gift.
Sean Swarner survived two separate kinds of cancer. In fact he is the only one in the world to have been diagnosed with both Hodgkins's disease and Askin's sarcoma. With the first diagnosis he was given three months to live, with the second it was only three weeks. His youth was a long series of endless treatments and this was in the old days before there was anti-nausea drugs given out with the chemo. He suffered greatly and he was robbed of his teen-age years.
No one knows why he developed two different kinds of cancer. No one knows why he is still alive. After it was all over to his and everyone else's astonishment he found himself in remission. Young and experiencing a survivor's high he decided to do the impossible and train to climb Everest. He knew nothing of climbing.
His narrative of his life and adventure is a refreshing change from most books in this genre. Normally the writer is an experienced climber who comes from a background of knowledge of the subject. If you are a novice at climbing you will find yourself learning right along with Sean and if you know something about the subject it will amuse you to read about familar paths and trails through fresh eyes.
I enjoyed it. It brought back many unpleasant memories but it also gave me a new way to view the world -"We shouldn't be afraid of dying. We should be afraid of living a life that doesn't matter'. True words from a brave and inspiring young man.
Sean Swarner survived two separate kinds of cancer. In fact he is the only one in the world to have been diagnosed with both Hodgkins's disease and Askin's sarcoma. With the first diagnosis he was given three months to live, with the second it was only three weeks. His youth was a long series of endless treatments and this was in the old days before there was anti-nausea drugs given out with the chemo. He suffered greatly and he was robbed of his teen-age years.
No one knows why he developed two different kinds of cancer. No one knows why he is still alive. After it was all over to his and everyone else's astonishment he found himself in remission. Young and experiencing a survivor's high he decided to do the impossible and train to climb Everest. He knew nothing of climbing.
His narrative of his life and adventure is a refreshing change from most books in this genre. Normally the writer is an experienced climber who comes from a background of knowledge of the subject. If you are a novice at climbing you will find yourself learning right along with Sean and if you know something about the subject it will amuse you to read about familar paths and trails through fresh eyes.
I enjoyed it. It brought back many unpleasant memories but it also gave me a new way to view the world -"We shouldn't be afraid of dying. We should be afraid of living a life that doesn't matter'. True words from a brave and inspiring young man.
July 20, 2016
Sean Swarner is full of BS, and uses his cancer story to manipulate people. Don't bother reading his trash.
December 26, 2025
What a story! His bravery and persistence surprised me.
April 30, 2009
First cancer survivor to summit Everest with only one fully functioning lung - how can you NOT be inspired?! A great read for anyone who needs encouragement or enjoys autobiographies :)
December 11, 2009
This may not be the best written book but it is one of the most inspirational books that I have ever read.
August 1, 2010
Very inspiring.
July 18, 2011
What should have been an incredible story of survival and triumph is not a very well written or interesting book. I got no sense of what makes this guy tick - just a bunch of platitudes.
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May 19, 2009Amazing biography
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews