Seven Sailors from Naval Station Everett (NSE) volunteered to participle in the Hope on the Slopes ski and board event at Stevens Pass Ski Resort, Stevens Pass, Wash., to raise money for cancer March 5-6.

Hope on the Slopes is a 24-hour skiing event that raises money to support the mission of the American Cancer society. The team from NSE, who called themselves Fo’ Snow, raised a total of $2,297, which far surpassed their goal of $1,400. The money raised through Hope on the Slopes will help support cancer research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education.

The team had the opportunity to compete in two separate challenges; the fundraising challenge, and the vertical feet challenge. In the fundraising challenge, the teams competed to see who could raise the most amount of money for the American Cancer Society through the end of the event on March 5. During the Vertical feet challenge, the teams competed to see who could ski the most amount of vertical feet in a 24-hour period.

“We didn’t place, but that wasn’t our goal,” said Fire Controlman First Class (SW) Beth Simpson, NSE. “Our only goal was to raise money and awareness for cancer, and for those battling cancer.”

There were a total of 68 teams made up of many people from all over the state who wanted to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Participants including current cancer patients, those who have lost a loved one to cancer, families, businesses, church groups, and other organizations. With the help of all of the teams who participated, the event raised a total of $163,515.95.

The challenge began at nine in the morning on March 5 and did not end until nine in the morning on March 6. Fo’ Snow team members kept their endurance and refused to give up in honor of those they know who have lost their lives to cancer.

“It was definitely a challenge, probably one of the most challenging things I have ever done physically,” said Machinist Mate 2nd class Christine Swanson, NSE. “I did it in memory of my aunt who died of breast cancer.”