“We all have the power within us to change the world in a positive way”, said Sean. It just takes one idea, one individual, one scientist, one company or one community to make a difference in the world.
…That’s the Power of One.”
She was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in fine arts from Skidmore College, Saratoga, N.Y. in 1973. Upon completion of college, she was selected for an art fellowship in Florence, Italy. In 1988, Ms. Patrick founded the Impact Group, a strategic marketing and design firm based in Western Colorado.
In 1990 this avid skier, mountain biker and hiker, learned to rock climb – a sport that encompasses all that Sean loved in life, and which she used as a metaphor to inspire us to go beyond our comfort zone, push ourselves and reset the boundaries.
Rock climbing encompasses problem solving, taking calculated risks and physical and mental challenges, which outdoor industry women face on a daily basis.
Sean was fond of saying “When you’re out there on a ledge and there’s a storm rolling in, you can’t just cut the line. You have to keep on going and fighting.”
Seven years after clipping her first biner, at age 46, Sean reached an advanced level in climbing, 5.12a. At the same time, she faced the greatest test of her life: a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
During her recovery from surgery she decided to use her passion for the outdoors and resolve the lack of awareness, information, and funding for ovarian cancer by creating the HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation, forming Partners in Action and launching the popular HERA Climb4LifeSM three-city fundraising event series.
In 2004, Ms. Patrick was featured in a one-hour special on the Jane Pauley show, sharing her inspiring journey facing ovarian cancer.
She received Climbing Magazine’s Golden Piton award in 2005 in recognition of her outstanding community service.
Sitting on a half-dozen boards working on cancer-related issues, Sean met dozens of women suffering from ovarian cancer and taught herself everything she could about the disease.
On January 20th, 2009, our dear friend, partner, sister and mentor Sean Patrick, succumbed to ovarian cancer after a twelve year battle.
She fought the disease personally, as well as for all women. Sean traveled nationwide to seek the best care, most progressive ovarian cancer research and latest treatment options.
It was her wish to share her knowledge and experience to improve the lives of other women afflicted with this disease.
That being said, her legacy reaches far beyond those impacted by ovarian cancer, validated by the thousands of women who have been touched by her compassion, selfless commitment and endless dedication to change.
The mission of the HERA Ovarian Cancer Foundation is to eliminate ovarian cancer by promoting Health, Empowerment, Research, and Awareness.
© 2020 HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation
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