In Memory of Sean Patrick

For those who haven’t heard, Sean Patrick, the founder of HERA, passed away this week, the end of an incredible journey. In 2001, Sean was told she had 6 weeks to live. Little did the doctors know then how she would not only overcome those odds but also take the cards she’d been dealt and turn it into something positive: that same year she started HERA, in an effort to bring awareness to ovarian cancer.

What I’ll probably remember most about Sean was her smile. For someone who had been through as much as she had, she was always smiling. During my time at Climbing Magazine, I had the opportunity to work with Sean on promoting HERA in its early years and she always brought great energy and enthusiasm to the table. I knew she was battling some dark and heavy things, but she always did her best to keep a bright outlook and positive attitude. The last couple years I’d run into her occasionally around town, or at the Outdoor Retailer trade show, and we’d catch up on life for awhile. The last time I saw her was at a friend’s house in Carbondale just a couple months ago, where several of us gathered to view some photos from a mutual friend’s recent trip through India. I hadn’t seen her in awhile, but it was the same old Sean. When I got the call from my wife yesterday that she had passed, a wave of sadness passed over me, knowing I’ll no longer have a happy encounter with this incredibly strong woman.

What will live on, however, are our memories and the incredible organization she started. The HERA Climb for Life events have become an institution in the Climbing world, helping to spread awareness and raise money to find a cure for ovarian cancer.

For those attending the Outdoor Retailer trade show this week, there will be a time to honor sean at the HERA booth at 4pm on Friday. Rest in peace Sean, and thank  you for a shining example of how to push ahead in the face of adversity.