Newspaper Feature: Arizona Financial Credit Union Gives Grants to Kristi's Klimbers

Kristi Pease, founder of Kristi's Klimbers Foundation, smiles after the nonprofit received a $15,000 grant at the Arizona Financial Credit Union Local Causes Grant Ceremony Nov. 5.

Kristi's Klimbers Foundation, a Glendale based non profit organization that provides support to the cancer community, was  honored to receive a $15,000 grant from Arizona Financial Credit Union at its Nov. 5 Local Causes Grant Ceremony.

Kristi's Klimbers Foundation was one of 18 nonprofit organizations to receive a grant at the event.

This funding will help expand the organization's free 3D mammogram program for uninsured women in underserved communities in Arizona.

Founded in 2020, Kristi's Klimbers Foundation was formed by now 10-year breast cancer survivor Kristi Pease as a means of "paying it forward" to those who cannot afford timely mammograms screenings.

"I was very complacent about the need for mammogram screenings even though I had good health insurance. I was very fit and active, and ate healthy foods and did not think there was a strong chance I would have breast cancer.  Had I been more diligent about getting timely mammograms, my cancer may  have been caught at an earlier stage, and I may not have had to undergo several rounds of chemotherapy and two surgeries," Pease stated in an email.

This grant is timely as we know there are more people who cannot afford the rising cost of health insurance and who will decide to go without insurance. We want to ensure we are there for women who cannot afford to pay for a mammogram on their own," she stated.