February 3, 2010 @ 8:16 pm
Attempting the Mountain; Forcing the Cure
Mary’s Nipple Challenge, Alta, WY (7)
As the car climbed the mountain to Grand Targhee ski resort I almost hyperventilated. I’m not generally an intimidated person but I was in awe, feeling physically, very small in comparison to the mountains surrounding me. It was almost as though I was fish-like in a very large bowl. After making my way through the snow I checked out my room and anxiously awaited the arrival of my guests. You see this adventure would be a bit different as my husband, RJ, my brother, Sam and his wife, Sheila would be joining me. With television advertisements for Avalanche Training Workshops, my comfort zone was quickly being infiltrated and their presence was much appreciated.
After spending quite a bit of time on the slopes, and learning how to ski (Come on, I wasn’t that bad), it was time for me to work and I was delighted. I just knew this event was going to be special.
As a young girl my grandfather was one of my biggest fans. Our days were spent walking on his farm or painting nails and doing hair. The youngest girl with two older brothers didn’t provide for many playmates so he became one of my closest friends and my most trusted teacher. He learned of his Cancer when I was six years old and fought courageously for two years before it took him in the summer of ’89. As his bones ached and his body weakened I saw him fade away. He wasn’t angry, he never became resentful nor did he question his circumstances. He was an amazing man, strong with eternal light that continues regardless of his being gone today. Because I was so affected by the disease at such an early age I knew this event would be my first of several promoting cancer awareness. In 2009 America, over 1.4 million people were expected to be diagnosed with some type of Cancer. Breast Cancer was expected to affect over 250.000 with over 40,000 of those succumbing to the disease. It’s a disease that causes pain, sadness and takes the lives of thousands. We must raise the funds to promote finding a cure to these various types of Cancer. In Wyoming, I was planning to do just that.
Saturday morning quickly approached and I was super excited for what was ahead. I met my group in the small town square and began organizing the event. Forms, warm hats, shirts and participants; we were ready to begin. Let me give you a bit of a rundown to the extent of this feat. Mary’s Nipple is an in-bounds peak with advanced intermediate terrain. In below freezing temperatures, staggering through mounds of snow participants must hike a 650 boot pack to the top of Mary’s Nipple. Then they must either ski or ride (depending upon if you’re a skier or snowboarder) to the start of the hike in order to complete one lap. The entire loop is a total of one mile and participants had three hours to complete as many laps as possible. While so many can donate money and time (and don’t get me wrong, this is a great way to get involved) physically, the commitment these people are making is beyond words a testament to their dedication to this cause.
Before even beginning I was ready for the results and after hours of selling caps and tees, the race had finally come to an end. Some had completed four rounds, other six, but all were able to celebrate their attempt at greatness. Their endurance was unimaginable to me and yet they seemed delighted, barely phased and satisfied with their accomplishments. Prizes were awarded and Hot Chocolate was sipped. The feeling of family was overwhelming and incredibly wonderful.
I love the skiing community. They’re light, they’re funny and they really, really care. Earlier in the day as I accepted applications and donation sheets and answered questions regarding the Challenge, there was one gal who was particularly interested in participating but didn’t have the sponsorship. We explained the rules, she left and within less than an hour she returned with a sheet full of donations. I smiled, accepted her papers and she would be ready to ski.
These are the people that create an amazing community. I’m not talking about the individuals who work for great causes or plan charitable events, but the group of skiers who made this day possible are just extraordinary people in general. They’re concerned with bettering our image as a race, immune to materialistic ways and hopeful that everyone else aspires for the same. We can all learn something from those who receive their inspiration from the top of a mountain, on the edge of grassy hill or from a swim in a mossy pond. When we work together as a group of people, with our strength deriving from the natural beauties in us all, the harmony we create can tear down all barriers and make anything seem possible.
My time in the Rockies has ended. While I was quite nervous for this adventure in the beginning I have a new appreciation for that which defines a feeling of ease, serenity and total acceptance. I’m hopeful I’ll visit again one day; see the people I’ve met, meet the people I missed. I’ll sit beneath the skies once again reveling in the creation that proves a higher power to us all. I hope to visit again soon. With these great people I know I’ll be welcomed with open arms.
Note: Thanks to Andy for caring, Tom for keeping me company and Cody for making me laugh. Also, to the three of you, for accepting me despite my skiing debacles and to R & C, wish you could have been there to see it. Next time, for sure.
