Honoring my dad and raising awareness for esophageal cancer — one summit at a time. All 50 state highpoints. One mission.
In late 2025, my dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, a disease that affects over 20,000 Americans every year, and one that only around 20% of people survive past 5 years. That diagnosis changed everything for our family. We knew we needed to fight with my dad in any way we could. This is where the challenge begins.
Growing up, my dad would usse the same saying for everything I do in my life: "Top of the mountain." It wasn't just about hiking. It was about giving everything you have and not stopping until you reach the top. Everytime he would say it pushed me to be the best in anything I do.
"Top of the mountain."— Tommy Gallant
So what better way to honor his fight than to summit the highest point of all 50 US states. Each peak is a story and a reminder that everyone's fight is different but we are all together in getting to the top! Starting in January 2026, I set off to raise awareness for esophageal cancer, and help fund the research that might one day save lives like his.
Every summit is a dedication. Every donation moves us closer to a cure.
8,751 ft
The first summit of the challenge. To start this amazing journey we drove out to the Guadalupe Mountains in far west Texas, and I was pumped to start this mission. Top of the mountain. Let's go!
4,784 ftStart of 3 mountains in 3 days into the Blue Ridge. Brasstown Bald sits at the top of the Appalachian highlands with panoramic views stretching for miles in every direction.
3,560 ftRight on the border of the Carolinas, Sassafras Mountain. A beautiful short hike with a lookout tower at the top.
5,729 ftVirginia's highest point doesn't have a view it's surrounded by dense spruce and fir. But there's something peaceful about the top anyway.
4,973 ftAll the way out to the Oklahoma Panhandle lies a flat mesa at the edge of the state. This one was a scorcher but it made it even more worth it at the top.
2,753 ftSix states in. Magazine Mountain in the Ouachitas was a beautiful little hike where we got to celebrate my Mom's birthday!
4,039 ft
Kansas surprises you. The drive out to the far western corner of the state leads to open prairie skies and a quiet, humbling highpoint unlike any other on the list.
5,424 ft
Right at the corner of Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming — Panorama Point lives up to its name with a 360-degree view of the high plains stretching to every horizon.
7,244 ft
The highest point east of the Rockies. Black Elk Peak rises through pine forest and granite spires to a historic stone fire tower with views stretching across four states.
Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancer diagnoses in the western world — up 600% in the past 35 years — and fewer than 1 in 5 patients survive beyond five years. Yet it remains critically underfunded.
Every donation made through this challenge goes directly to fighting that. Your support helps fund research, advocacy, and early detection programs that can change outcomes for families like mine.
If you've been moved by my dad's story — please donate. Every dollar matters.
Donate to ECAN Now →The leading advocacy organization for esophageal cancer patients and families. They fund research, support early detection, and advocate for policy changes that can save lives.
Donate to ECAN →A 501(c)(3) that funds direct esophageal cancer research grants — including grants to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute — focused on treatment, early detection, and screening.
Visit Salgi Foundation →Focused on developing early warning detection tools and patient support — over 20 years supporting patients, survivors, and families.
Visit ECEF →To show your real feed here, use behold.so (free) — connect @topofthemtnchallenge, copy your widget snippet, and replace this placeholder above. It takes about 10 minutes and the free tier works great.