Here’s how Switzerland’s Nicole Berthod describes herself on her Instagram account : IFMGA mountainguide 💃👠💅breastcancerwarrior & freespirit in ❤️ with life
At the age of 31 and the peak of physical condition, Nicole received a breast cancer diagnosis. Her personal story is incredibly uplifting, and we urge you to read this blog article she wrote : https://climberspace.com/blogs/stories/rebirth-through-climbing
Of course, Nicole’s experience as a cancer patient plus her professoinal activity as a mountain guide and outdoor climber ticked two boxes straight away, but it’s her mental attitude and enthusiasm that really made us want Nicole to join the Ambassador ranks. She agreed immediately. She says:
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, and have gone through every stage of treatment, including several surgeries, six months of chemotherapy and a month and a half of radiotherapy. During my journey, I’ve really grasped the importance of community and the strength of friendship. Friends pick us up when we’re down and carry us when we can no longer walk. By joining CAC as an ambassador, I hope that I too can contribute to this community and give strength, through my personal story, to people who need it.
Both during and after treatment, nature and movement have always been a source of renewal and have helped me to find energy, motivation, pleasure and normality in difficult times. I hope I can also show that illness doesn’t prevent us from connecting with what we love and what makes us feel good.
Some of my friends haven’t been as lucky as I have, and some have lost their lives to cancer. I also want to be able to pay tribute to them through my role as ambassador. I’m very happy today to be able to join the great family of climbers against cancer and to start this new adventure with them, with you!”
As luck, fate or the universe would have it, we got in touch with Nicole just as a climbing film featuring herself and her brother was nearing the end of the editing phase. Called “Toune d’Automne” it’s due to be released in Spring 2025 and should be doing the rounds of the festivals, so if you get a chance to see it, we’re sure you’ll love it. And Nicole is pledging proceeds from the film to CAC, so that’s TWO good reasons to find a screening to attend!
Bienvenue à bord Nicole – welcome aboard Nicole!
Links
IG : @nicoleberthod
FB : Nicole Grange Berthod
Website : nicoleguide.ch
