Cancer has claimed the lives of several of our family members, including my father and Barb’s grandmother, as well as numerous very dear friends.  Most people we know have had to deal with the loss of a loved one due to cancer at some point in their lives.  Barb, herself a cancer survivor, and I have supported many friends in their own personal battles against this dreadful disease.  These experiences have fueled our dedication to the mission of Cancer League of Colorado, to eradicate or control all types of cancer in our lifetime.

Barb and I have been involved with Cancer League of Colorado for six years now.  Barb is a Past President of Cancer League, and I am the current President.  Both Barb and I are committed to this organization for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it is comprised entirely of dedicated volunteers, with no paid staff and no offices.  As a result, all money raised by Cancer League is used for cancer research and service grants in Colorado.  And, there is a significant multiplier effect that further broadens the effectiveness of the organization’s efforts.  Because Cancer League research grants are used as seed money for research projects, each dollar donated to research generates about 20 times that in additional funding from the National Cancer Institute and other such organizations.

This particular fundraising effort, “Over the Edge,” is a great opportunity to not only raise money for cancer research and service grants, but to affirm our dedication to the cause of finding a cure and to honor those who are caught in a battle with this disease.  Last year, I dedicated my rappelling effort to a good friend of ours, Courtney Mizel, to honor her valiant battle against breast cancer. I'm pleased to report that, a year later, Courtney is winning her battle.  In fact, on August 27^th, she is going "over the edge" herself, together with a team of friends, to support the mission of Cancer League of Colorado in its exclusive, second annual Over the Edge event.  And, I’m especially proud to say, I’ll be going “over the edge” with her this year. 

As I go “OVER THE EDGE WITH COURTNEY,” I invite each of you to support the cause of Cancer League of Colorado by making donations for my rappel.  All moneys raised by my personal rappelling effort will be earmarked for research and service grants related to breast cancer.  Similar to last year, each person making a donation of $100 or more will receive an “OVER THE EDGE WITH COURTNEY” tee shirt to commemorate this event.

Thank you for your support.   With your help, we can find a cure for cancer in our lifetime.