For the 18th consecutive year I’ll be riding in the Courage Classic.

When my son was 9 his life was likely saved by an astute ER physician who recognized a rare genetic disorder that caused toxic amounts of ammonia to build up in his brain. Todd recently finished his freshman year of college, making President's List at Gonzaga University studying applied mathematics. 

Further, a few years ago this event become even more personal with the diagnosis and treatment of my cousin and her husband's son -- then 6 year-old Mason who was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney cancer. After undergoing a radical nephrectomy in January 2017, Mason endured an aggressive treatment plan that started with radiation and continued with weekly chemotherapy. 

We're grateful to report Mason has been given a clean bill of health and there have been no further signs of the cancer for over 5 years now.

These boys are two of the many success stories afforded by the amazing folks at Children's. There are other families who have been less fortunate in their outcomes. And for both reasons, we ride on, doing the easy part by cycling up, down, and around 100s of miles in the Rocky Mountains. These families do the hard work by caring for and loving their children during very difficult and trying times. 

As a member of the Wheels of Justice team all funds raised go to Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD) where Mason received his weekly treatments. For everything Children’s has done for our family, participating in the Courage Classic is the least I can do to give back.

Thank you for your support,

Scott, Todd, and Katie Spangler