In 1995, when I was 14 years old, we found out that my mother needed a liver transplant to survive. She was put on a waiting list, and her loved ones, including my brother, my Dad and I, watched helplessly as her health deteriorated over the next three years. Without much time left, in 1998 at the age of 45, a compatible donor was matched and mom received a liver transplant. After some time, normalcy was restored and she was able to spend quality time with family and friends again. About ten years later, mom was diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous brain tumor that led to her passing in 2009, unrelated to her liver that was still functioning well. Although she passed, in those ten years, lasting memories were made with family and friends, and countless time spent living out life to the fullest. I am forever grateful for the individual who made the decision to register as an organ donor, it is truly a heroic act.
For the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race, I am honored to be riding on behalf of the Chris Klug Foundation (CKF), a nonprofit that raises awareness and educates on the importance of organ, eye, & tissue donation.
In the hope of one day eliminating the waitlist for transplants, CKF is focused on raising awareness with people of all ages, with the goal of registering more individuals as organ donors. One person can save up to 8 lives as an organ donor and improve up to 75 lives through tissue and eye donation.
Please support me in this challenge and help me raise the very important funds CKF needs to continue their lifesaving mission.
In loving memory of Janice Hopp
1953 - 2009
About the Race:
It all starts and finishes in Leadville CO, the highest city in North America, sitting at 10,152’ above sea level. Known as the Race Across the Sky, this mountain bike race climbs to 12,424’ with an elevation gain of 12,000’ over the 100-mile race course. As one of the most iconic mountain bike events in the world, Leadville is the ultimate test of grit, guts, and determination – with a course completion cut-off time of 12 hours. I am taking on this challenge to test my limits, find out what I am made of and at the same time support a great cause.
