I am supporting the Courage Classic and Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) for patients like my son Jeremy and my dear friend Martha (PLEASE read her paragraph below). Yes, I'm asking for support of 2 riders here (Jeremy and Martha)

I planned on riding with their picture on my back and in their name on July 18th. But due to a surgery, I'm unable to ride. Here's the good news, Jeremy and Rusty are riding in my place. Yes, 13 months post open heart surgery, Jeremy is going to ride a Virtual Courage Classic with his dad.

Jeremy is a survivor. He has been followed closely by CHCO (Endocrinology, ENT, and Cardiology) since birth. In 6th grade his cardiologists saw an aneurysm develop in his heart. His next 6 years were a bit limited by physical restrictions, medicine therapy and close monitoring. Jeremy maintained a positive outlook knowing he was one of the fortunate one who's heart could be mended one day. On June 6, 2019 - Jeremy underwent a Ross procedure: open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve with his pulmonary valve, rebuilt his ascending aorta damaged by an aneurism, and replaced his pulmonary valve with a human (cadaver) valve. It was tremendously successful. Jeremy blew the CICU team away with his recovery. Four days after open heart surgery he walked out of the hospital. 5 weeks post-op he was back in the ER then CPCU then CICU due to a mystery infection this time for 6 days. The genius teaming of the doctors found an oddly presenting kidney infection. His life was spared once again. This spring Jers returned to the ER twice (4 weeks apart) during COVID for painful chest symptoms. His needs were promptly met and after a few weeks he was 100% once again. Jeremy's current STRONG state of his heart and his future have been lightened by CHCO Cardiology professionals. To support Jeremy and the Cardiology Department please click on the DONATE NOW button on this page.

Martha is a survivor. At the age of 13 in August, 2015, she was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. By Spring, 2016 she had fiercely fought this beast into submission with devoted, unending care from CHCO Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. She impressed everyone with her positive outlook and determination to stay on her bike and ride for her High School mountain bike team throughout treatment (and continued on this team through her high school career). Unfortunately in August, 2017 Martha relapsed and her 2nd fight began. She immediately had surgery to remove one of two tumors in her lungs. She fought like a warrior harnessed with the supreme professional care of CHCO. At the end of her 2nd fight Martha was dealing with collapsed lung (pnemothorax) which continues to recur, but her keen awareness helps keep it at bay for the morst part. By the summer of 2018, she again had "no evidence of disease." Though on a maintenance drug the beast returned a third time in May of 2019. Again she fought and even rode the Courage Classic for the 4th year in a row this time during chemotherapy. UNBELIEVABLE. In the Fall she underwent another surgery to remove what hoped to be the last lung tumor. Nine months later in March she presented with "no eviddence of disease" and for several weeks felt the tremendous joy and relieve it brings. But in May the beast returned for a 4th time and even more aggressively. She is fighting harder than ever and raising money like the top fundraiser she is, by bravely talking about her fight. Last year she was the top fundraiser at nearly $125K (yes you read that correctly). Martha just graduated from highschool in May. Will you also join me in supporting her (see link below). Martha needs pure positive thoughts sent her way. She is fierce. Please give support to the CCBD through her link below. She will see this and it will help elevate her as she prevails over this wretched beast!

To support Martha and the Cancer Center of TCH please cut and paste this address in your browser:  http://support.childrenscoloradofoundation.org/site/TR/CourageClassic/General?px=1222050&pg=personal&fr_id=1600