WHY WE CLIMB
Alec inspired the first climb and a mission that keeps growing.
What began as one promise to help a child facing cancer became an annual movement to support families facing the same impossible uncertainty.
Alec's Story
A chance meeting changed everything.
While volunteering at a children's hospital, Ryan Kelley met Alec Ingram, a young boy facing cancer with extraordinary courage.
Alec's fight made the usual fundraising ideas feel too small. Ryan wanted to do something difficult enough to honor the strength he saw in Alec and his family - and visible enough to bring others into the fight.
So he chose a mountain.
In 2015, Ryan and a small team climbed Mount Rainier to raise money and awareness for families facing childhood cancer. That first ascent created the model KCF still follows today: take on a meaningful challenge, invite others into the story, and turn every step into practical support for families.
Alec remains the heart of the mission. Every climb honors his courage and every family we help carries his legacy forward.
01
Ryan meets Alec
02
First Mount Rainier climb
03
Keep Climbing Foundation is established
04
Direct family-assistance program begins
05
Current annual climb
$550K+
Raised for children and families
Hundreds
Families supported
1,000+
Donors and business supporters
“Each climb becomes a fundraising mission to help families overcome life’s toughest challenges and inspire others to keep climbing.”
Jamie Becker
KCF Board Member
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