I am taking the challenge to honor children with much bigger mountains to climb – by climbing Mt. Bierstadt to raise awareness and philanthropic support for Pediatric Mental Health services! 

Suicide is a leading cause of death for kids starting at age 10 (through 24). Like many, I’ve painfully watched several people close to me struggle with and fight mental health battles. Sadly in 2021, I lost one of my best friends to suicide. David and I had been close friends and teammates since 2nd grade, grew up together, and we were groomsmen in each other’s weddings. He was incredibly intelligent, driven, passionate, a wonderful friend, someone who loved a challenge, and anything in the outdoors. He was someone who compassionately checked on others, all the while, deeply struggling with his own mental health battles.

One of the last times I saw David was when he, Melaina, and I summited Quandary Peak (photo). While David was an adult when he passed, through research we know that HALF of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin at age 14. More needs to be done to ensure resources are available for children in need. In honor of David, this Friday (August 16), I, alongside my wife, will be climbing one of Colorado’s 14ers with the Climbing for Kids event; benefitting Children’s Hospital Colorado’s mental health services.

**Double your impact - The Southern Colorado Mountain Mover’s have secured an incredibly match for every dollar we raise, up to $2,500. Help our team goal support kids and reach our goal of $5,000. I am grateful for any and all support of our climb and this incredible cause. Our kids need our help!