The Wapiyapi Classic in Aspen.

There is no better feeling than seeing unrestrained joy on the face of a sick kid. 

WAPIYAPI is a Colorado organization that offers help and support to families facing childhood cancer.  Since 1998 Wapiyapi has provided no cost programs to kids with cancer and their families.  Wapiyapi is a Lakota Sioux word which means help and healing. Founded by University of Colorado Medical Students, Wapiyapi and more than 300 volunteers have provided year-round support to more than 1500 kids.

Click 4 pix:  Wapyapi Classic

The 2011 Wapiyapi Classic, a fundraiser and a bicycle ride recently took place in Aspen with a special guest leading the pack, 7-time Tour-de-France winner Lance Armstrong.  With 50 mile and 25 mile options and a picture perfect Fall day, the Wapiyapi Classic was a rousing success as more than 200 riders partook in the awesomeness.  The 20 top Wapiyapi fundraisers got to start their ride with Lance, although he eventually pulled away from the peloton to finish his 50 mile segment well ahead of anyone else.

Aspen Spin got to meet some of the Wapiyapi kids and their families.  It was obvious that a week at Wapiyapi Summer Camp was the highlight of the year for most of the kids.  We kept hearing how good it felt to be a "normal kid" and to participate in a wide variety of activities "just like the other kids".  If you've ever attended summer camp then you know about the camaraderie that develops between the campers.  Recurring themes kept popping up...color war, talent show, arts and crafts and clearly the most important memory for most of the kids...the zip line.  These kids spend a lot of time in hospital, so to get outside for a week of fun and activities with kids "just like me" is extrememly meaningful and a tremendous aid in healing.

Healing occurs in a variety of ways, not just with doctors and medicine.  At Wapiyapi, building friendships, gaining new experiences, bonding with others all contribute to the process.  Riding bikes with Lance Armstrong is part of the program too. 

Click WAPIYAPI to learn more and to support their programs. 

Click: Wapiyapi Classic for more photos.

Getting ready for the 2011 Wapiyapi Classic with Lance Armstrong. Click 4 more pix.The top fundraiser collected $17,000. She rode w/ Lance.The Wapiyapi Classic 2011 in Aspen, Colorado. Click for pix.

Summit 4 Life in Aspen

Aspen local Chris Klug is a great guy....everybody knows that. He's also a two-time Olympic Snow boarder and a world class athlete...everyone knows that too. Did you know that Chris is the only Olympic Medalist in history to be an organ transplant recipient?

The Chris Klug Foundation, Donor Dudes and Chris himself are all passionate about sharing the message of organ and tissue donation. There are more than 100,000 Americans currently on "the list" for organ transplants---awaiting a second chance.    Organ donation is the gift of life --learn more by clicking CKF.

Summit for Life is an athletic event and an educational event. Hundreds of people will hike up Aspen Mountain (3267 vertical feet) this Saturday night to raise money and awareness for organ and tissue donation.  The fifth annual Summit for Life is this coming weekend,  December 10 and 11 (this Friday and Saturday).   There are lots of parties, events and good times slated for the 5th Annual Summit 4 Life weekend---including the actual Summit 4 Life uphill climb.   Learn about all the festivities; Click  SUMMIT 4 LIFE.

There are many ways to participate  in this awesome, action packed  celebration of life with Chris Klug.  Its not to late; REGISTER NOW.  Join CKF, AspenSpin and a host of others. Summit 4 Life is an fantastic event in support of a great cause.  Meet you at the top of Ajax, Party at Sundeck.

Ready, Set, Hike. Summit 4 Life Dec. 10 & 11, 2010.