Utah Cancer Survivor Event Celebrates 30 Years of Hope

Twelve cancer survivors stood at the top of King's Peak in 1996, reading names into walkie-talkies so those at base camp could hear. Some cried. A tradition was born.

This July 12th, Survivors at the Summit returns to Brighton Resort for its 30th anniversary. Up to 400 participants will gather in the Wasatch Mountains for a day celebrating life after cancer.

The event grew from humble beginnings. Those twelve original climbers carried handwritten flags inscribed with names of loved ones touched by cancer. Ten of them made it to Utah's highest summit, where they honored those names aloud.

The following year, the group officially named the event and founded what's now Survivor Wellness. The Salt Lake City nonprofit offers free services that hospitals of that era rarely provided: group support, counseling, yoga, meditation, and therapeutic bodywork in a welcoming, home-like setting.

By 1998, the iconic yellow Tribute Flags became the event's enduring symbol. Donated by Jack Kirkham and screen-printed by local high school students, these bright banners now stream from mountain peaks each year carrying messages of love, hope, and remembrance.

For 25 years, the celebration took place at Snowbird Resort. In 2024, it moved to Brighton Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon, drawing its largest and most diverse crowds yet.

Last year, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall made it official. She issued a formal proclamation declaring the event day "Survivors at the Summit Day," recognizing the profound community impact over three decades.

The Ripple Effect

This single day event funds an entire year of free programs at Survivor Wellness. The organization serves hundreds of cancer survivors and caregivers annually from their home at 58 South 1100 East in Salt Lake City.

The 30th anniversary celebration includes guided hikes, mountain biking, rides on the Majestic Lift, live music, breakfast and lunch, restorative wellness activities, and nature walks. Thousands of yellow Tribute Flags will wave across Brighton's peaks during the moving Celebration of Life ceremony beneath the flag display.

Registration opened May 15th with tickets limited to 400 participants. The event sells out every year, so early registration is strongly encouraged. General admission costs $15, or $30 with a Tribute Flag included. All proceeds directly fund free programs at Survivor Wellness.

What began as twelve people on a mountain has touched thousands of lives, proving that hope climbs higher every year.