Every year, Ski and Ride finds someone who’s life has been affected by cancer. Survivors, kids undergoing treatment, and their families are asked to come to our annual fight to share their story and bring positive connection to the entire Ski and Ride family. In 2023, we learned that one of our own, who had joined the Ski and Ride family when a close friend was affected by cancer, had received some of the hardest news you can get. If you have been to the Skibowl event, his face is a friendly and familiar one. Our 2024 Torchlight Parade Grand Marshal is Devin Jenkins, better known as the Tiger.
In Devin’s own words:
On December 12th 2009, we lost a beautiful young soul to cancer. Her name was Kesley and she was 2 years old when diagnosed. During her battle with cancer, I made many trips with her and her mom, back and forth to the hospital. Even while going through this horrible experience, Kelsey always had a smile on her face. She was the strongest person I knew. Shortly after her passing, I came across the Ski and Ride event. My first event was here, at Skibowl. I rode for 19.5 hours straight, because cancer never sleeps… unfortunately I did. I fell asleep in my dad’s motorhome while taking a quick snack break. Ever since then, I have participated or hosted over 35 different Ski and Ride events across the United States.
Fast forward to a few years ago. I showed up to an event wearing a full on tiger suit and ever since been known as “The Tiger” at the Skibowl event. Over the last 2 years, I had a ump develop on my neck. I pushed off getting it checked out, but on May 5th 2023, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Mantle Cell Lymphoma. This cancer is incurable, but can push for remission with the help of new therapies and practices. We have been watching the growth of the cancer this year to see how aggressive it will be, and decided to start treatment in early February, 2024. Don’t let that worry you, the Tiger will be at Skibowl this year, powered by my friends and Ski and Ride family that keep me moving.
This diagnosis has changed a lot in my life, but that is ok. It has brought my family and friends closer. While there are times that I get sad or worried, I know I will make it through this with the power of love and laughter. I do pretty well most days, thanks to my amazing, beautify, and strong wife, my father, and the rest of my family and friends.
If you are interested in following my journey, we have set up a Facebook group called Devin’s Warriers. Please feel free to join on my journey.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at this years event, and honored to be selected as the Grand Marshal for the parade. Please come out and join us!
#TigerStrong #DevinsWarriors
