Summit Hike

Ain't No Mountain High Enough
A decade of Living Journeys
by Dawne Belloise

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.” – Henry David Thoreau

I was 27 when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. In my mother's and grandmother's generation of the early to mid-1900s, the “C” word – cancer – was never uttered. It was shameful. Something to feel guilty about. Hushed. Back then, most women didn't even know what a cervix was. And most didn't survive cancer. When cervical cancer hit me in my young 27 years in the late 70s, I was confused, alone, and tremendously scared – like a child left in a pitch dark room. There were no support groups. No internet research for options. No one there to say, you can fight this. You can win. We're here to help you through this. Fortunately, I had a knowledgeable and supportive local doctor who acted immediately. Thankfully, today I am cancer free.

Today, Gunnison Valley residents have Living Journeys to provide emotional and financial support, education and awareness to those, and their loved ones, living with cancer. Living Journeys was started by Dana Zobs, Cheryl Ryan and Mary Mike Haley as a support group for people and their families living with cancer. Dana was responsible for bringing the Breast Cancer Fund's Peak Hike to Mt. Crested Butte in 1998. The national event raises money for breast cancer research and awareness, however, it was determined that more support was needed for local programs so the Summit Hike was born.

Cheryl Ryan's bout with inflammatory breast cancer spurred the idea for a support group which covered the emotional and physical aspects of cancer. It was she who envisioned and named the Summit Hike and retreat center for emotional wellness and physical health. Because life is a journey. Diagnosed with a terminal illness, Cheryl thought of herself as someone who was living with cancer rather than a victim. During her four-year journey with this illness, Cheryl was inspirational with her courage and determination.

Living Journeys reaches out to individuals, families and friends struggling with cancer. It is a confidential support system developed by local community members ... a healing environment where open and frank discussion is encouraged. Mary Mike Haley, MA, a local therapist, facilitates the group which meets bi-weekly on the first and third Thursday every month, from 12 noon to 1 p.m., in the Community Church at 107 North Iowa Street in Gunnison and by appointment in Crested Butte. You can call Mary Mike at 970-596-3377 for more information.

Living Journeys even provides grants to those Gunnison Valley residents with cancer who are financially struggling as expenses mount and every day bills still need to be paid. Board member Annie Coburn explains, “People write a letter and ask, ‘Can you help me?’ The desperation is massive. Someone might be losing their home, or need money for diapers or food.” Last year’s Summit Hike raised $28,000 which goes to Gunnison county residents directly who are living with cancer. From January 1, 2009 to date, Living Journeys has helped by gifting $16,000. “For instance,” Annie continues, “a man with prostate cancer, a child with leukemia, a man with melanoma.”

Mary Mike adds, “We’re a unique in that we’re supporting people with all forms of cancer. We’re the only organization that fills that niche, and we give money directly to the people dealing with cancer.”

This year marks a full decade of support and encouragement through Living Journeys and the Summit Hike. On Saturday, August 8, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, fathers, sons and all supporters of those living with, or affected by, cancer will trek to the 12,162 foot summit of Mt. Crested Butte with much celebratory fanfare. The Summit Hike event is the main fundraiser for Living Journeys to provide support, education and awareness for those living with cancer. It helps give back confidence and represents endurance in the fight. It is wholly communal and loving. And the rewards of reaching the top are many, including the stunning views, a 360 birds-eye panorama of the paradise we live in.

“The local support is huge for us. They put together teams and raise money. Survivors who we funded return and raise money during this event. It comes full circle,” Mary Mike confirmed that in 2008, 110 supporters hiked the summit.

Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer fatality in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. In 2005, 186,467 women and 1,764 men were diagnosed with breast cancer; 41,116 women and 375 men died from breast cancer. It is estimated that 192,370 women will be diagnosed with and 40,170 women will die of breast cancer in 2009. The three most common cancers in women are breast cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Based on rates from 2004 to 2006, 12.08% of women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during their lifetime, or 1 in 8 women. Also based on rates from 2004 to 2006, 0.69% of women born today will be diagnosed with cancer of the cervix, or 1 in 145 women. (Statistics gathered from cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/).

In Crested Butte, you don't have to be an uber athlete to join in the hike. You can choose a challenging round trip of 11.5 miles, or take the lift and then trek the final 762 vertical feet to the summit – and of course, you can stop and take a thousand photos and as many breathers as you want to. It's a time to honor those who are living with cancer, and the memory of those who have fought. You can climb as a team or a group of friends (limit of 10 per team). Companies and organizations are encouraged to hike. There are even donated prizes for the top fundraisers. Only 250 people will be able to participate due to the trail systems limitations. The first 150 to register will receive a Living Journeys very groovy canvas tote bag. Registration is only $50 for adults. And true to the spirit of the mountain, there'll be a prize for best costume... we love to costume up, especially at altitude, and for a worthy cause. So grab your beads and tutus, your favorite Lycra, fun sunglasses, hats and hiking boots.

All that climbing in these hills stirs up a hardy appetite so afterwards Living Journeys will celebrate their 10th anniversary with a BBQ... and a fantastic sundae bar… drinks, music, and an auction.

“This year we’re hoping for at least 200 participants, so we got 200 hotdogs and hamburgers and 225 lift tickets,” Annie disclosed. And there'll be professionally shot photos of you and your group at the summit available for viewing and purchase at the party. There’s free childcare provided and to keep the kids entertained, the all time favorite bouncy castle will be on hand along with crafts and games. If you'd rather party than hike, you can still contribute and be supportive by coming to the celebration for only $25.

New this year is Monica Mesa's Goddess Retreat, which will culminate in the Summit Hike. The retreat is through her yoga studio, Yoga for the Peaceful and runs from August 7 through 9. It's a spiritual filled celebration with yoga, meditation, and fabulous food at the local eateries. You can get all the information at yogaforthepeaceful.org.

All the festivities take place at the base of the mountain, at the ski area, starting with a big white tent. You can check in and register there at 7 a.m. Saturday. The start time is at 8 a.m. The celebration party begins at 11 a.m. and you certainly don't want to miss that kick off. You can get all the info online at livingjourneys.org or call them at 970-349-2777.

There are those who would like to help but either don’t have the time, or don’t know how and Annie offers, “What they can do is give money to Living Journeys and we’ll distribute that to all those who are dealing with cancer, all those people in need in all of Gunnison County.”

It's a beautiful way to celebrate life, an early morning hike for an amazing, worthwhile cause, to the top of our own Shangri-la with a community of supporters, an entire family of survivors and those continuing their journey.

Dawne Belloise is a freelance writer, photographer, traveler and musician. Published in various rags and mags, she is also associate editor and feature writer for the CB Weekly who, to this day, still doesn't like to look at cancer stats and is very grateful to Dr. Jay Wolkov for his keen observation so many moons ago. You can contact her at dbelloise@gmail.com and follow her life's adventurous journey at rubysroad.com.