Pikes Peak Challenge Round 2
My first year hiking for the Brain Injury Alliance was incredibly rewarding and wildly different than I expected. The summit of Pike’s Peak is 14,115 feet, admittedly I did have to double check that number, but it’s a number I know well because my Dad has competed in the Pike’s Peak Accent yearly, long before I was born. Knowing the distance allowed me to train appropriately. High altitude weather can be unpredictable; if you’ve spent any time in Colorado I’m sure you have heard the phrase, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” Knowing Colorado weather patterns allowed me to dress appropriately and pack extra clothes just in case the weather turned. I began my Pike’s Peak Challenge adventure thinking of the event as a hike for a great cause, it turned out to mean much more.
My older Brother Jesse was always a person I admired. I grew up watching him play baseball. I remember Jesse playing baseball for Dana College in a series against the Air Force Academy. I looked forward to the series for weeks because I was so excited to see Jesse play. He was a right fielder for the Vikings and when he was playing I would stand behind the outfield fence and try to mirror how he played. I spent the top half of the innings racing other kids to get foul balls while I waited for the opportunity to watch Jesse hit. Unfortunately the at-bat that is most memorable was watching Jesse get hit in the head and lying unconscious on the ground for a substantial amount of time. Once he was alert he got up and walked to first base, the first base coach asked him if he knew where he was and he responded, “I’m here.” Jesse finished the game.
My brother was tough, competitive and unfortunately this was not the first time this type of event happened to him. He had been knocked unconscious during a baseball game before while he was in high school. Even though he was ‘tough’ that was no excuse; these days even if you feel you can ‘tough it out’, all head injuries should be taken seriously and properly assessed promptly. My brother Jesse passed away November 7th, 2009, his death was ruled a suicide. I don’t know if it was the history of multiple head injuries that led to this event, but I’m confident that the head injuries did not help.
I love my brother and I think about him often especially when I quote Adam Sandler, watch the Rockies, or whenever there is an event in my life worth celebrating that I wish he were present for. I rarely talk about my brother. I don’t talk about Jesse much with my family because I know they hurt as much as I hurt. I don’t really talk about Jesse with my friends because honestly it’s awkward; it’s definitely a way to kill a conversation. I don’t like putting the burden on other people, because I don’t think there really is a good way to respond. The memory of my brother has become very personal and is incredibly challenging to share. That’s what I could not prepare for during the Pikes Peak Challenge; I spent an entire day talking about my brother. It was emotionally exhausting, far more exhausting than any of the physical effort I put forth climbing Pike’s Pike. While it was taxing and uncomfortable it was incredibly rewarding and so wonderful to talk about Jesse.
The Pikes Peak Challenge is a yearly event that helps raise money to support the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado. Last Year, this event alone raised $275,000 to support families that have been affected by brain injuries. The BIAC provides resources and education for healthcare providers to better screen for brain injuries and treat brain injuries. The BIAC helps to educate the public about preventing future head injuries while providing support for people that are living with the results of head injuries. I believe in this organization and it’s efforts and I feel that it’s worth supporting. I’m asking for help supporting this cause and assistance can be provided in many ways. If you have the means then donations can be made directly to my page; all donations are tax deductible. Sharing information about the Brain Injury Alliance or my fund raising efforts is greatly appreciated. Cheering me on in my training and wishing my family, fellow climbers, and me luck and fair weather on September 8th, 2018 is more than enough. Thank you for sharing in the event with me.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
TNT
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Sarah DeVore
$50.00 -
Janet Harrison
$50.00 -
Joseph Karlik
$100.00 -
Anonymous
$50.00 -
Dan Marion
$100.00 -
Kathrine Thibodeaux
$25.00