U-Haul® has partnered with the American Cancer Society® (ACS) for the Climb to Conquer Cancer, or the “Cancer Climb,” since 1993 in Phoenix.
In doing so, U-Haul has raised more than $800,000 to support the ACS in its mission to “improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.”
Every year, support is personified by Team Members fundraising for the ACS and U-Haul generously committing to matching those contributions. This year, despite the Cancer Climb not being held at its usual location on South Mountain, U-Haul still stepped up.
Team Members were invited to fundraise online throughout April, leading up to the first-of-its-kind Steps to Conquer Cancer event on the walking track at the Shoen Family Conference and Fitness Center on the U-Haul Midtown Campus in Phoenix, where the Company has been headquartered since 1967.
Steps to Conquer Cancer
On May 2, a group of dedicated Team Members, whose efforts raised more than $4,000 for ACS this year, sacrificed their Saturday morning to drive to the Shoen Center and take the Steps to Conquer Cancer together.
The morning began with a brief welcome and remarks from the U-Haul Community Relations team followed by remarks from ACS representatives. Then it was time to hit the track.
Team Members were encouraged to walk as many laps as they’d like, but were offered lap goals that aligned with important statistics relating to lung cancer.
- 5 Laps for the screenings that take only 5 minutes
- 10 Laps for the 10% late-stage survival rate
- 15 Laps for the 15,000 deaths that would be prevented every year if all eligible adults were screened
“I appreciated the efforts of everyone that made this event a success,” said Paul Kelly, U-Haul Trailer Program Manager. “I am a cancer survivor, and walking to end cancer is something I will support for the rest of my life. I walked in honor of Kevin Tobin, a dear family member who has passed away from cancer in 2025.”
“Although the ‘great outdoors’ was missed, it was cool and comfortable walking in the Shoen Center with the joyful benefit of the team cheerleaders we passed each lap,” added Brigitte Bavousett, U-Haul Corporate Sustainability Education Specialist. “We appreciate our supporters and U-Haul Company’s commitment to helping conquer cancer.”
Special Honor
While fundraising numbers are important, what really stands out is the people behind them. No one has epitomized this dedication more than lung cancer survivor and longtime U-Haul Team Member Phyllis Gurstell.
Gurstell worked at Oxford Life®, a subsidiary of U-Haul Holding Co.®, from 1996–2020. She has been part of the Cancer Climb for more than 25 years. In retirement, she continues to be a supporter of the ACS, raising more than $12,000 in the last five years alone.
Her personal experience is also a powerful reminder of why the ACS’s work matters. Because of early detection through screening, Gurstell was able to act before her cancer had the chance to progress.
At this year’s Steps to Conquer Cancer event, in honor of Gurstell, the ACS presented her with a special reward in recognition of her impact and courage. Rob Simmons, President and Chairman of Oxford Life, and several former Oxford Life colleagues surprised Gurstell by attending the event.
“Throughout her career and into retirement, Phyllis has exemplified service, compassion, and dedication through her longstanding involvement with the American Cancer Society,” Simmons said. “Her years of advocacy and volunteerism have made a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer and has motivated many individuals and families to join her in this fight. Everyone at Oxford is proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor for Phyllis recognizing her extraordinary commitment.”
Making a Pledge
Team Members were invited by the ACS to make a pledge to get screened on the large activation board at the event. Everyone was encouraged to write a pledge they felt comfortable sharing and add it to the pledge board.
Beyond walking laps and pledging, participants enjoyed refreshments and shared encouraging stories with one another.
“My cup was full on Saturday,” said Catherine Sebesta, ACS Senior Executive Director Arizona. “The love surrounding our mission and the gratitude felt so deeply by everyone participating was incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of why we do this work.”
To learn more about ACS and its mission to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer go to cancer.org.
