Carrying a Flag From Pain to Passion

Book excerpt: When Andrew Buerger's sister was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, her courage and strength spurred Andy to turn pain into a passion. Andy founded Jodi's Climb for Hope, which raised more than $750,000 for research by leading mountain-climbing expeditions-an apt metaphor for the struggles women affected by breast cancer endure. In 2008 tragedy struck again when Andy's wife Jen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Jodi's Climb for Hope expanded the scope of its mission into multiple sclerosis research as well. On an expedition in Iceland, Andy discovered something that he developed into B'More Organic, a protein drink that Inc. magazine ranked as the fifth fastest-growing natural brand. With engaging mountaineering, business, and personal stories, Carrying a Flag From Pain to Passion portrays the guiding principles that have helped him navigate the peaks and valleys of his life. "I've been teaching leadership for 35 years. I know the single most important trait people use to describe leaders is forward-looking. Andy's a normal guy, dealing with the struggles of a family business and the tragedy of his sister, who casts a vision for combining adventure with curing cancer and MS. His willingness to expose himself to new and uncomfortable situations motivates others to embrace the vision." - Chris Warner Mountaineer, leadership educator, and entrepreneur "Andy is an inspiring and transformational leader. All the volunteers that work with Jodi's Climb for Hope are driven by the vision that Andy casts." - Ricky Haro Founder Rare Earth Adventures and former U.S. Air Force SERE Specialist When Andrew Buerger's sister, Jodi, was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in 2004, her courage and strength spurred Andy to turn pain into a passion. Andy founded Jodi's Climb for Hope, which raises money for research by leading mountain-climbing expeditions-an apt metaphor for th