HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. -- Olivia Beare is still getting used to life without her husband, but says she hopes to use her experience to help other missing climbers abroad.
Her husband, Littleton police officer Steven Beare, went missing more than a month ago while climbing Mt. Elbrus in Russia.
"I use to say everything happens for a reason. I don't know what the reason is of my husband going missing on this mountain because it definitely sucks, but if this is the reason, and if we end up saving someone else's life that will be enough for me," said Olivia.
She said she started the non-profit Climbing For Beare to help raise money for recovery efforts to find her husband in Russia and also to help other Americans whose loved ones go missing while climbing mountains abroad.
"Our goal is for our relief to be two-fold: Helping to organize search teams in and around the mountain where your climber is, as well as helping you at home get various support to continue—everyday needs, from meals, errands, and household maintenance. We are honored to help you and your family," the non-profit's website says of its goals.
"Even if I can help one family find their loved one alive, it's worth it," said Olivia.
Her husband, Steven, who was also a member of the National Guard, set out to summit Mt. Elbrus—Europe’s tallest mountain—but was reported missing June 16 after two massive blizzards hit the area.
Beare had set out to climb the seven highest peaks in the world, and had already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
Fellow Littleton Officer Brent Kieffer came up with the name -- Climbing For Beare -- after he pledged to summit the remainder of Colorado's 14ers that Steven had made it his goal to summit by the end of the year.
"Our goal is to complete those summits in his name," explained Kieffer. "This kind of gives me a way to carry on that passion."
He's already summited Gray's Peak, and held up the Climbing For Beare banner at the top. Kieffer plans to summit the rest of the 14ers later this summer.
If you would like to donate to Climbing for Beare click here.
