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www.mscando.org

 

 

 


Vertical Express Logo
EVENTS IN:   CO  |  CA |  ID  | MT  |  WA 


— FOR SKIERS, BOARDERS AND TELEMARKERS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES —


Event History

REMEMBERING FOUNDER JIMMIE HEUGA 1943 - 2010

Jimmie Heuga
Jimmie's Can Do Spirit Lives in Everyone
We announce with heavy hearts that our founder Jimmie Heuga passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 8, 2010. Can Do Multiple Sclerosis's board and staff are deeply saddened. Our condolences go to his family and friends. He continues to be an inspiration to all.


Please visit www.mscando.org to view and share your memories of Jimmie.

Can Do MS Vertical Express for MS is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2010.

The Snow Express for MS — the prelude to the Vertical Express for MS — began in 1985, when skiing Olympian Jimmie Heuga and ten others set a world record, skiing one million vertical feet during 24 hours in Alyeska, Alaska.

This event raised the seed money to start Can Do MS, a nonprofit that leads the way with comprehensive programs that empower people and families living with MS to transform and improve their quality of life.

Can Do MS's roots run deep in the skiing world. When Jimmie was diagnosed with MS, it was a blow to the tight-knit racing community. Later, when he established The Heuga Center (now known as Can Do MS), the skiing world stepped up to the financial challenge. In May, 1985, friends and associates organized the first Snow Express for MS, a massive fundraiser in Alyeska, Alaska. Ten participants broke records when they skied one million vertical feet in 24 hours. The ski marathon raised $250,000 in seed money for the fledgling organization.

Over the years, Snow Express broadened to include racers of all ages and abilities. It grew to be one fo the premier on-snow fundraising events in North America. Thousands have participated in Snow Express races at 30 different ski areas, raising as much as $1 million per year for the Center.

Although Can Do MS has now diversified its funding sources, Snow Express for MS — or Vertical Express, beginning in 2005 — continues to raise money, increase awareness about Can Do MS's work, and maintain a strong connection to the skiing world. Participants enjoy the camaraderie, relaxing atmosphere and fun prizes. But most importantly, they race to make a difference in the lives of people with MS.

Jimmie Heuga, founder

Founder Jimmie Heuga

 

 



Can Do Multiple Sclerosis
A national nonprofit organization, Can Do MS is a leading provider of innovative lifestyle empowerment programs that empower people with MS and their support partners to transform and improve their quality of life.

Charity Navigator

www.charitynavigator.org

The Highest Rating for Fiscal Responsibility

Can Do Multiple Sclerosis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.



Endorsed by
Ski Industries of America’s
Winter Feels Good Program