For 23 years, I have been working hard to eliminate the wait for transplant.
I was a professional snowboard racer when I was placed on the National Transplant Waiting List after being diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), a rare degenerative bile duct condition. I spent 6 years on the waitlist, critical for the last 3. On July 28, 2000,
I received my liver transplant, and said, “It was like a new engine was dropped in me!” Six weeks later, I was back on my snowboard, and had the opportunity to represent the USA at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, where I won a bronze medal. During my time on the waitlist, I promised myself I would do everything I could to spread the message of organ, eye, and tissue donation once I was able.
I started the Chris Klug Foundation in 2003 to help educate and inspire individuals across the US to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors.
I am back with a vengeance this year after experiencing my first Leadville DNF in 15 years due to a crash in 2025. I am ready for my 16th Leadville start, and to cross the line for the 15th time!
I am also racing for the second time in the Unbound Gravel 100 on May 30, and fundraising for that race, too.
Please consider donating to my fundraiser to help CKF continue its lifesaving work. Each year we connect over 1 million people to our message, and for every $1 donated, we reach 2 people!
