As a carefree and healthy 20 year old it was a shock, to say the least, when I was diagnosed with diabetes. I didn't have any idea what that meant or what it entailed. At that point, I was as uninformed as the vast majority of the population.

I experienced my first reality check upon returning to the University of the Pacific and finding out that I had been medically disqualified from my Air Force ROTC scholarship. I knew that I either didn't understand the magnitude of the disease or ignorance was allowing others to impose their limited beliefs on my life. Over the past four years I have come to realize that both were true. I did not realize the day-in-and-day-out implications of having diabetes: the struggles of fluctuating blood sugars and the frustrations of its highs and lows. However, I came to understand that the misconceptions others have are also not true. I didn't have to quit mountain bike racing. I was able to continue climbing, riding, running, skiing, and all the other sports I have always enjoyed. 

These findings led to two conclusions. One, that diabetics need to be thoroughly educated by trained specialists who are aware not only of the physical treatment, but also of the psychological aspect of the disease. These specialists can teach people how to take control of their diabetes instead of it taking control of them. Two, that the general public needs to be educated. They need to have a basic understanding of the disease and the advances in its treatment over the last 70 years. The general public needs to know that diabetics are not fragile, "can't-eat-sugar people," who will probably die of some complications. They also need to understand that diabetes involves high and low blood sugars and is not only to be associated with needing a shot of insulin. 

To dispel these misconceptions, I work hard to increase public awareness. I share with as many people as I can anything they want to know about diabetes and how it has affected my life. 

After finishing my  International Management degree in 1997, I moved to Summit County, Colorado, where I can enjoy the active lifestyle I love daily.  I am now working at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, which allows me to pursue my passions of teaching and outdoor activities in an amazing organization.  We have an Adaptive Ski Program, Wilderness Programs for disabled and able-bodies people and we have a Professional Challenge Program.  I hope to combine the principles behind IDEA 2000 with the work I am already involved in to enhance the lives of many.  

Most of my climbing experience has been here in Colorado and in the Sierras in northern California, but I have also had opportunities to climb in California, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Japan and Bolivia. Among the 14ers I have done are the Maroon Bells, the Crestones, Shasta, Uncompaghre, and the Wetterhorn.  My highest peak to date is Hyuana Potosi, in Bolivia in June 1999.  I have participated in avalanche, rope rescue, crevasse rescue, and high alpine travel courses and am a Wilderness First Responder. 

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