Tackling Everest (and Ovarian Cancer)

After living through a rare, non-genetic ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2016, Jess Wedel, B.S.W. ’11, was encouraged by her mother, Valari, to continue their shared passion for mountain climbing. 

With 18 weeks of chemotherapy and two major surgeries behind her, Wedel had a cancer-free bill of health and a big-shot dream — to climb Mount Everest, a feat for any individual.

In 2020, the mother-daughter climbing duo made the trip. After weeks of climbing, health complications led to Valari being medevacked off the mountain, with a COVID-19 outbreak among the sherpas prematurely ending the summit attempt.

While the pair was unable to complete their climb, Wedel received an outpouring of support from people who were following her story — first through her cancer diagnosis, then toward Everest. A nonprofit organization approached her about being a part of a team that would go back to Everest to raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer — an offer she quickly accepted.

Even the trek to base camp — a 40-mile journey with over 9,000 feet of elevation change — was challenging. As a part of a team of 20 that included ovarian cancer survivors, oncologists and caregivers, Wedel says the climb to base camp was the “most favorite thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Facing an ascent known for its harsh weather and altitude, the group continued up the intense terrain.

“I’ll just keep walking,” Wedel said, sharing her mantra throughout the hike. “I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other until I feel like I need to go back because it’s not safe. Somehow, I just did that for hours until I found myself on the top.”

Wedel became the first ovarian cancer survivor to summit Everest. Her team raised more than half a million dollars for research, but she says hearing from other cancer survivors might have been the best part of the experience. One woman said she followed Wedel’s journey while in the hospital completing her own treatment — watching Wedel gave her strength and hope to keep going. 

“I’m just some weird girl from Oklahoma, but it’s so cool that my story is helping others feel like there are more good days ahead for them,” Wedel said.