Yosemite – On a dark trail at 5:30 a.m., the first wave of Hike for a Cure participants headed for the summit. More than half of the 250 hikers reached the top of Yosemite’s famed Half Dome.

The annual event raises funds for research into Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, a rare form of cancer.

The grueling 18-mile hike acts as a metaphor for the struggles of the those individuals and families affected by LCH.

In the spring of 2007, the Hornet profiled Sacramento State professor Pam Sanger, and her son Patrick, who has LCH.

Since then, Patrick has continued treatment through regulated doses of chemotherapy. His situation limited his hike to only the first bridge.

Anton McPeek-Bechtol’s parents started Hike for a Cure in 2001 in order to raise funds for LCH research.

Anton’s improved condition this year enabled him to come close enough to smell the top.

“It’s amazing,” said Collen McPeek-Bechtol, Anton’s mother. “It’s the furthest he’s gone on his own power.”

“I made it half way up the cables,” Anton said, wide-eyed. “I got to the steep part!”

This year, the event raised approximately $225,000. The money is expected to fund at least three different research projects, said Sanger.

Kevin Fiscus can be reached at [email protected].