Past Living Journeys Athlete Corps (LJAC) Athletes
Living Journeys Athlete Corps (LJAC) offers a unique opportunity for athletes inspired to support Living Journeys’ mission to ensure that no one in Gunnison County faces cancer alone.
Laci Wright - Moab Trail Half Marathon
My kids were 7 and 5 when I received my diagnosis of Stage 3 endometrial cancer.
That was in early 2017. Soon after, I became a Living Journeys client. After multiple surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, and 10 weeks of radiation ending in recurrence of my cancer, I started a pembrolizumab (immunotherapy) infusion SIX years ago that I remain on to this day.
Over the course of my battle with cancer I've seen a staggering number of friends start, lose, endure, and thrive in their cancer journeys. The most personal of these diagnoses befell a dear friend (and my Colorado College roommate) in January 2023.
On November 8th, I'm meeting up with several family members and other CC Tiger friends to run the Moab Trail Half Marathon as a fundraiser for Living Journeys.
I’m setting my fundraising goal at $17,000 — a meaningful number, as 2017 is the year I was diagnosed. This will be my third LJAC, and I’m proud to take part once again in support of such a special organization. I can’t wait to crush it! Back in 2021, Stevie Kramer and I set a $17,000 fundraising goal honoring my 2017 diagnosis year — and you helped us surpass it. Let’s do it again for this amazing cause!
I know several clients well who are currently in the depths of their cancer journey here in the Gunnison Valley and I know all the resources that Living Journeys can deploy will help them.
It is again time to do my part to share the hope and light that this journey can reveal, and most importantly to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. Look for more stories and updates over the coming weeks. Much love!
Whitney Gilliam - 'Everest' in a Week
My name is Whitney, but most people call me Whit! I have been fortunate to call Crested Butte home for the last 9 years. I work at Oh Be Joyful Church as the Young Adults Pastor and also with Irwin Guides as an AIARE avalanche instructor! Splitboarding (aka: backcountry snowboarding) is my all time favorite sport, but in the summer I love mountain biking and every summer I’ve fallen a little bit more in love with trail running (or trail jogging as I like to call it ;). And while all these things are great, my favorite thing about all these sports is the incredible quality time I get with the people I recreate with.
In September my goal is to try to "Everest" in a week. Hitting 29,032' of vertical by a combination of several methods; running, hiking, or mountain biking to raise funds for Living Journeys—Gunnison County’s nonprofit dedicated to cancer support! I am excited about this goal and I think it will be an incredible challenge. It is also located in the valley and on trails that I know and love which I think makes it even sweeter!
Whether it's by personal experience or an experience with a family member or friend, you’d be hard pressed to find someone that hasn’t been impacted by cancer in some way. I have seen the extremely hard side of cancer, but I have been fortunate enough to see the blessings come out of something so difficult. I am passionate about partnering with Living Journeys so that together we can help have more positive stories in the face of something so hard. Also, while I love outdoor sports for keeping my body healthy and connecting with friends, pushing my body and doing the sports I love for a goal much bigger than myself makes it all so much more purposeful and important.
During this fantastic fundraiser I am also fortunate to partner with incredible brands including Haglöfs and Aloe Up product so when you make a donation you will be entered into a drawing where you could win prizes like a Haglöfs beanie or backpack and Aloe Up Sunscreen!
$500+ - Be entered into a drawing to win a Haglöfs backpack & beanie + Aloe Up sunscreen product
$300+ - Be entered into a drawing to win a Haglöfs backpack + Aloe Up sunscreen
$150+ - Be entered into a drawing to win a Haglöfs beanie + Aloe Up sunscreen
$50+ - Be entered into a drawing to win Aloe Up sunscreen & chapstick
Kevin Hartigan - Journey to Nepal
In 2009, Kevin Hartigan joined a small team of American creatives on a bold journey across India. Their mission was both artistic and deeply personal: to document an artist painting 100 canvases in 100 days, while capturing the transformation of everyone involved. From the heights of the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan, from Bollywood’s vibrant Diwali celebrations to sacred rituals on the Ganges, Kevin experienced the full intensity of India—its beauty, complexity, and spiritual depth.
The journey was full of challenges and unforgettable moments. Along the way, Kevin was deeply moved by the people he met and the places he experienced. It was a time of personal growth and reflection—an experience that left a lasting impact and helped shape who he is today.
Now, in late 2025, Kevin is heading to India—not just for himself, but for a cause close to his heart. Inspired by the resilience of those affected by cancer and the compassionate mission of Living Journeys, Kevin has launched his Living Journeys Athlete Corps (LJAC) page with the goal of raising $7,777 to support individuals and families impacted by cancer. Kevin is turning his next adventure into a powerful expression of love, purpose, and collective healing.
Carly Bean - Four Peaks for a Purpose
My name is Carly Bean. I’m fairly new to the Crested Butte community, but in a short time I’ve met so many kind, inspiring, and gritty people. This place is full of resilience, generosity, and heart - and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of it. That’s why I’m excited to take on a challenge that reflects the spirit of this valley and gives back to the people who call it home.
I'm a soccer player turned trail runner and I have loved exploring the trails and mountains since I moved here last September. For my LJAC event, I’ll be running (and likely hiking) a loop over two days that climbs up and down four of my favorite mountains in Crested Butte: Whetstone, Red Lady, Gothic, and Mount Crested Butte. I love big days out on the trails, and I’m excited to take this on as a tribute to the strength and determination I’ve seen in this community.
I know how deeply cancer touches lives—and how important it is to support one another through the hardest moments. This fundraiser is about showing up for people in the valley who are facing cancer, and making sure they feel seen, supported, and surrounded by care. My goal is to raise $5,000 for Living Journeys. I hope you’ll join me - by donating, sharing, or simply cheering me on - as we rally together for a cause that truly matters.
Uniting grit, gratitude, and giving back—one summit at a time.
Pat O'Neill - Hardrock 100
Dear Living Journeys Supporters,
My name is Patrick O’Neill. I love running ultramarathons and helping people with cancer. I am currently the Board President of Living Journeys, the Gunnison Valley’s Cancer Support Organization. It took me 15 years and 15 100-mile qualifiers to finally get into Hardrock 100, the Crown Jewel and Soul Crusher of all ultramarathons.
This will be my last 100-miler. On July 21, 2025, I will be “running down cancer” as a Living Journeys Athlete Corps athlete. Living Journeys provides the following supports: medical, financial, emotional, nutritional, and travel. I have set my fundraising goal to $16,000. Please donate today. “We win when Living Journeys cancer clients WIN.”
John Mahoney - Hellbender 100
I’m John Mahoney, an ultra runner living in Crested Butte, Colorado. The breathtaking landscapes around here have fueled my love for running, and I’ve found great joy in pushing myself through long-distance races. But more than just running for personal challenge, I’m passionate about using these events to support the community.
In 2024, I raised $10,000 for Living Journeys, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people affected by cancer in the Gunnison Valley, by racing the Grand Traverse. The organization does vital work in the community, and I’m excited to continue supporting them. This year, I’m aiming to raise $10,000 for Living Journeys through the Hellbender 100. I just got off the waitlist for this race and now have only two months to train, so it’s going to be a tough but rewarding challenge. Despite the short timeline, I’m determined to do my part to help this great cause and make a difference for those who rely on Living Journeys’ support.
Tim Skafidas - Half a Million Vertical Feet
My name is Tim Skafidas. I grew up in Concord, NH before moving to Ft, Collins, CO to obtain a degree in exercise physiology at CSU. Growing up with severe asthma, I dreamt of big days in the Rocky Mountains. I eventually found my dream place - Crested Butte! With the clean air and environment I overcame my childhood asthma. I took on many big challenges - Climbing all 54 of Colorados 14ers, racing mountain bikes, skiing, and rock climbing, to name a few. Eventually, I found running and have competed in many events including ultramarathons. After training for decades, I now put most of my summer season emphasis on mountain running and biking. And this new challenge is the biggest. I am trying to log 1/2 million vertical feet from April 7th until November 28th to support Living Journeys. I plan to do this through running, hiking, and mountain biking, while also tracking this experience with Strava and posting weekly updates.
I’ve lost many friends to cancer as well as my father, and have seen the difficulties it presents. I have been a huge supporter of LJ and have witnessed how much it helps this community. This is my “Why” and I’m very proud to be part of this outstanding organization.
Travis Krist - Rides Every Mile of Gunnison Single Track
This summer, longtime off-road motorcycle racer and Crested Butte resident Travis Krist is embarking on a journey that’s as much about heart as horsepower. Travis is taking on a unique and ambitious challenge: to ride every mile of motorized single track in Gunnison County in support of Living Journeys, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer.
For Travis, this mission hits close to home. His wife, Alice, is a breast cancer survivor. The couple, married for 19 years, has experienced firsthand the emotional and physical toll of a cancer diagnosis—and the vital importance of community support through it all.
“I wanted to do something meaningful with the skills I’ve developed over a lifetime of riding,” said Travis. “This challenge is a way for me to give back and help others facing the fight of their lives.”
Travis’s resume on two wheels speaks for itself: a veteran of 25 years in off-road motorcycle racing, including 15 years as a AA/Pro Enduro racer, he stepped back from racing full-time after moving to Crested Butte in 2016. But his passion for riding hasn’t slowed. Now a certified motorcycle coach, Travis will also be offering free group riding lessons this summer to raise funds and awareness for Living Journeys.
His “Moto Challenge for Living Journeys” will highlight the incredible terrain of Gunnison County and the strength of a community rallying for a cause.
Donations raised through Travis’s efforts will go directly to Living Journeys, helping fund essential services for cancer patients, including emotional support, financial aid, and wellness programs.
Keep an eye out this summer—you just might spot Travis tackling a high-alpine trail, riding not just for the thrill, but for hope.
Follow Travis's Moto Challenge progress:
facebook.com/travis.krist/
Instagram @sivart37
Kirk Haskell - 8th Grand Traverse
My name is Kirk Haskell, and for over 23 years, I’ve been fortunate to call the Gunnison Valley my home. My journey with the Grand Traverse began in 2003, during the race’s sixth annual event. This grueling 40-mile endurance ski race starts in Crested Butte, Colorado, and ends in Aspen, Colorado. At the time, my goal was straightforward: to push my limits and make it to the finish line.
Now, as I prepare for my ninth Grand Traverse, my motivation goes far beyond personal achievement. This year, I’m inspired by the strength of those in our community who face daily battles for survival. Cancer is my driving force — a relentless disease that has impacted many of my loved ones and countless members of our community. Recently, it struck close to home again, as my dear friend Rob Mahedy fights an ongoing battle with bladder cancer, which has now spread to other areas of his body.
While cancer is unyielding, so are we. This year, I will ski to Aspen as a Living Journeys athlete, dedicating my effort to Rob, to everyone in our community courageously fighting cancer, and to the memory of those we’ve lost.
Kim & Bryan - Skiing 100 Days
My husband Bryan and I are dedicated resort skiers. With 2 kids and a business, it’s too hard to get too far away from cell service so we’ve found so much joy chasing each other around our world class ski area. We call it couples therapy. And a day skiing beats a day not skiing.
Why do we ski for Living Journeys?
Simply put, cancer sucks. We want to bring awareness to an organization that has helped support so many of our local friends with a cancer diagnosis. It’s easy to skip a day at the resort when the snow isn’t good (today, prime example). We’re making a commitment to this organization that even when it’s not good, we’re here. Hope you support our goal of raising $5,000 by April 6th. We won’t let you down!
Bryan - 23rd Grand Traverse
Hello, I am stoked to be a part of the Living Journey’s Athlete Corps! The biggest reason is that I get to help others through my athletic endeavors. Along with my GT partner Pat O’Neill, I am racing the 2025 Grand Traverse ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen at 12AM Sunday, March 30th for those in the Gunnison Valley fighting cancer.
This race is bigger than me and if I can help someone else in my local community by training and completing this race for my 23rd time, I have done God’s will. My father is a cancer survivor and current friends are battling. Love you, Rob! I can’t be there everyday to help my friends in this battle, but if they read this and know I am out there in spirit everyday training and racing for them…its powerful for them and myself.
Please give as much and as often as you can. My goal is $12,162.00 The elevation of Mt. Crested Butte. Let’s summit the peak together through your financial donation. Together Pat & I win this race, only when the Living Journey clients win.
