More than 50 U-Haul Team Members woke early on Feb. 22 to scale a 5.5-mile route up and down South Mountain’s Summit Road in Phoenix, Ariz.
This quest was more than some Saturday morning exercise routine. It was a climb for a cause: the fight against cancer. U-Haul efforts raised over $12,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society.
For the past 32 years, U-Haul has participated in the annual Phoenix Climb to Conquer Cancer, the ACS’s largest single-day climb event in the world. During those three-plus decades, Team Members have procured more than $800,000 in funds for the fight against cancer.
Personal Impact
“The Phoenix Climb to Conquer Cancer is an event I’ve participated with for six years now,” said Aaron Barwise, Director of Sales and Reservations for U-Haul Customer Care.
Barwise walked with his family, including his children, in memory of his father-in-law.
“I continue to walk for his memory and for the countless others around me who have lost their fight, have started their fight, and those who have won their fight against cancer,” he said.
For Austen Ensign, U-Haul Risk Management program coordinator, this year’s climb – his first – held deep significance. His 4-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood leukemia in December 2023. Ensign walked to honor her successfully “kicking cancer’s butt.”
“Seeing the community come together in support of those affected by cancer was incredibly moving,” said Ensign. “It was inspiring to walk alongside survivors, families and friends, all united by a common cause.”
Company Commitment
All funds raised go to the American Cancer Society, which offers life-saving services to cancer patients during and after treatment. These include (but are not limited to) providing free information, supplying medical transportation, helping to find the right treatment, and connecting cancer survivors.
U-Haul International matches the dollar amount raised by its Team Members each year, delivering a powerful punch in the fight against cancer.
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Proud Participants
Shelly Persons, an invoice processing clerk for U-Haul Accounts Payable, participated for a second year. She walked in memory of her longtime friend Wendell Grasee, as well as for family and friends.
“The atmosphere for the whole experience – although for such a serious cause – is so upbeat. You can feel the excitement in the air,” Persons noted. “I am thankful to U-Haul for not only participating as a sponsor, but also for sponsoring employee participation. The company supports the community and its employees through many great opportunities. Any chance we have to raise funds and awareness is a great thing.”
Shelley Gabriel, U-Haul Utility Billing and Analysis account representative, has volunteered for the last seven years as her contribution to the climb.
“This cause is personal for me,” Gabriel said. “I have an aunt who just passed away from lung cancer. My father had glioblastoma. And one of my best friends, a U-Haul Team Member, passed away (from cancer) two years ago. My mother is a 43-year breast cancer survivor, and I was diagnosed in December 2024 as pre-cancer.
“I am thrilled that U-Haul sponsors this event. I am proud to volunteer and be part of Team U-Haul.”
Read about past Climb for Cancer events by clicking here.
