Mission
To provide support, education and awareness to people living with cancer and their loved ones.

History
Living Journeys began as a support group for people living with cancer and their families in the fall of 2000. It was started by Dana Mulitz, Cheryl Ryan, and Mary Mike Haley.

Dana Mulitz brought the Breast Cancer Fund’s “Peak Hike” to Mt. Crested Butte in 1998. The Peak Hike had been an extremely popular event to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness. The Breast Cancer Fund returned a percentage of the proceeds raised from the Peak Hike to Crested Butte. Those funds are used to help people cope with the ramifications of cancer, thus the Living Journeys support group was formed.

Cheryl Ryan’s idea to form a support group for cancer came directly from her experiences with inflammatory breast cancer. She saw the need for a support system that dealt directly with the emotional and physical aspects of cancer and those affected by the disease. Cheryl foresaw the need for much more than group meetings. She envisioned activities such as the Summit Hike and a retreat center for emotional wellness and physical health. Cheryl named the support group Living Journeys. She believed that life is a journey, and although diagnosed with a terminal disease, Cheryl did not think of herself as a victim, but as a person living with cancer. Cheryl fought inflammatory breast cancer for almost four years. She inspired everyone with her courage and determination. So it is in Cheryl’s spirit that we are honored to present Living Journeys, a non-profit organization, providing support, education, and awareness to people living with cancer and their loved ones.


Who We Are

Executive Director: Erin Whaley
Erin is from Littleton, Colorado and graduated from the University of Denver where she played Division I lacrosse. She has ski patrolled for eight years in Park City, UT and Crested Butte. Erin enjoys working with high school students in science and math, and she has a huge passion for the outdoors. Erin has lived in Crested Butte for four years, and is happy to have found a home where she can not only recreate, but also be a part of such an amazing community. Many of Erin’s friends and loved ones are on a journey living with cancer, and she is honored to be a part of this incredible organization.

Board of Directors: Mary Mike Haley, Gwen des Cognets, Sarah McAllister, Jennifer Knox, Annie Coburn, Dana Mulitz, Jen Laemmel, Kathleen Esposito