Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma: Hiking Through Iceland
Posted: Tuesday, August 13, 2019
As a part of a fundraising effort by Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma®, 14 individuals trekked through Iceland’s landscape in August. Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma is a joint initiative between the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), CURE Media Group, and GlaxoSmithKline. The climb included survivors, caregivers, family members, team members from the organizing partners, and myeloma doctors.
Since the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma program began in 2016, team members have taken on 13 hikes and raised $2.5 million. Of the funds raised, 100% go directly to the MMRF to accelerate new treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma.
The team ventured to Iceland to take in the beautiful landscape, including an assortment of geologic marvels such as volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, hot springs, gorges, lava beds, waterfalls, and mountains. Geothermal activity in the form of steam and green and yellow sulfur coming from the rocks on the trail, coupled with the topography, make this mountainous hike otherworldly. After 7 to 8 hours of rigorous hiking, the team slept in mountain huts situated in an incredible setting. This hike is sometimes called “Fire and Ice” because on any given day, with the lava fields and volcanoes alongside the glaciers.
