Ski to Live for Cancer Survivors

by kristenulmer on December 2, 2009

‘Ski to Live’ is not a cancer survivor ski program, but ‘STL for Survivors’ IS! Coming in March- yes indeed a ski event specifically for survivors and friends. Here’s what an alumni wrote about her cancer with regards to skiing. Her name is Abby and I love her:

While going through chemo, I had these intense flashes of the mountains when deep in meditation. They would spark, uninvited, and by all means, they were not sought on a conscious level. Yet, the body knew the mind needed to heal with the aid of the mountains, and the medium necessary to make it happen: skis.

Born in Colorado, but not born on skis. Some of my first ventures in the snow were at a young age, the main intent was to have fun, to experience the world and Dad was usually involved in all antics. Dad would pull me along side the road when there was enough snow, and the family dog would follow, a Fox Wire Terrier named Asta. Asta’s love of the snow was unequivocal to all of us, she would burry her snout, convinced things lurked beneath the snow, as a terrier and family protector; it was her duty to find them. After the sled was out grown, cross-country skis were added. I admired the grace my dad had while on skis, while over six feet tall, and with his full beard, he looked like the skis were made for him- and thus my love affair began.

On my back, forced out of work, forced to take medications causing the body to  fight internally, my mind went to the mountains. There was healing to be found there, cancer had left a skid mark, but skiing held a deeper skid mark in my heart.

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Greg I. Hamilton December 10, 2009 at 1:48 pm

Wow. And I thought Ski to Live was powerful for me. Nice to hear Abby’s words after making turns with her and with you, Kristen. Have a great season! Here’s to all of our skidmarks. Cheers, Greg

Vobatomotearp December 12, 2009 at 5:12 pm

Fantastic, I did not heard about that until now. Thx!

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