In memory of our beautiful, strong, brilliant sister, Angele (Kassar) Ekert, who died November 2, 2021 after a fierce battle with cancer, we – Chris Kassar and Ryan Kempfer – are putting aside all fear & doubt and going for a longtime dream of ours.

On April 3, 2022, starting at midnight, we will embark on the 40-mile Grand Traverse Ski Race/Adventure from Crested Butte to Aspen, CO. Our team’s name: “For Angel with an E.”

Angele lived large and was a total badass. She loved without limit, always put connection and community first and was incredibly generous with her time, energy and abundance. 'Gel' (as the little ones called her) dove headfirst into things that scared her, she never passed up an opportunity for fun, and she remained grateful until the very end. She left us too soon, with a massive hole in our hearts that we will never fill. But Annie also left us inspired to use our time well, to go after our dreams right now, and to make a difference whenever possible.

To that end, we are using our training and racing to raise awareness about and money for cancer research led by Cancer League of Colorado. This 100% volunteer organization ensures 100% of funds go to cancer research and patient care. Every dollar you donate will get to doctors and scientists doing ground-breaking and life-saving research this year – in 2022. Just a month after our fundraiser ends, your donations will be helping researchers discover insights about cancer that can lead to new and better treatments.

Inspired by Angele’s legacy, we are leaving behind fear, seeking joy, and creating an opportunity to do some good in the world.

We know Annie will be with us every step of the way, her angel wings helping us to tackle the huge task ahead. We hope you will join us, too!

Donate Now to Support Cancer Research in Memory of Our Angel with an “E”.

More about Cancer League of Colorado: Cancer League of Colorado was founded in 1969 by five women whose families were affected by cancer. Their individual heartache sparked a shared mission to raise money for research and patient care. Since then, this All-Volunteer Charity Has Raised and Awarded $20 Million for Cancer Research and Patient Care. Read More Here.