I am writing to tell readers about Trish Nice, a friend and colleague who is a breast cancer survivor. Trish is one of six breast cancer survivors invited to participate in expedition Circle 66: an international cancer survivor expedition that is skiing across Greenland along the Arctic Circle. The six participants, five women and one man, are from Scotland, Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands and the United States. In mid-April, the six will start their 600-km ski across Greenland from the east to the west coast. The Arctic Circle crossing will take 22 to 30 days and be supported by dog sled teams. Each participant is asked to promote the Expedition while raising 5,000 euros (about $7,500) even if they could pay this sum themselves.
The goals of the expedition are to promote breast cancer awareness in both men and women, to emphasize that cancer is often temporary, and to help change the mindset surrounding cancer. The expedition also promotes the importance of sports and an active lifestyle in reducing the chance of getting cancer as well as the chance of cancer reoccurring.
Trish is an extraordinary athlete and motivator. In 1985, Trish, Fritz, and their two young daughters moved to Harvard, where Trish trained with the Harvard Apple Runners, coached for the Billy Koch Ski League, coached Harvard girls’ soccer, gave orienteering lessons through the Harvard Public Library, and participated in local running races, triathlons, and ski marathons. In 1991, the family moved to the Netherlands.
Trish was confronted with cancer in 1999 and in 2001. Now she is doing just fine. She wrote recently: “As a member of Expedition Circle 66, I would like to help show others that even with or after a serious illness it is important to dare to live your dreams. Living with passion and intensity has helped me regain my confidence and vitality. Cancer is not a death sentence; it is a reminder that every day is precious and that it is important to live every day fully.”
Anyone interested in donating to the expedition can go to the website www.circle66.org and contribute. To credit donations to Trish click on “optional remarks” or e-mail the donations coordinator at katelijne@circle66.org. Let others know about the Expedition and follow its progress on the website.
Marion Stoddart
Long Hill Road, Groton
