A Bergen County woman is turning her own breast cancer diagnosis into a mission to help others rediscover their strength. Anyssa founded Genuine Climbing after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. She has been a rock-climbing guide for more than a decade and says climbing became a way to reconnect with her body and regain confidence during treatment and recovery. “Every time I went back to climbing, I kept thinking this is something more women need access to,” she said. Genuine Climbing is a nonprofit organization that offers free rock-climbing experiences for women age 21 and older who are in any stage of cancer treatment, recovery or survivorship.

The organization also hosts retreats and community programs designed to build connection among women navigating similar diagnoses. Karina Jaramillo-Saa, a breast cancer survivor, who participated in the program, said she initially struggled after her diagnosis. “I was in a very dark place and afraid of my own shadow,” she said. “Climbing made me remember who I was and gave me an outlook on how to move forward.” Another participant, Justine D'elia-Kueper, said the sense of community stood out most during her retreat in New York. “The community that was built in just four days was really powerful and really special,” she said. The nonprofit relies on donations and fundraising events to provide its programs at no cost to participants. Its annual Empowering Elegance Luncheon fundraiser is scheduled for March 6 at Indian Train Country Club in Franklin Lakes For Anyssa, the mission goes beyond the wall. “All of our programs are specifically designed for beginners,” she said. We want women to feel confident exploring what they’re capable of.”