Dieckhoff has been in Boulder since 1979, and just about everyone knows him, but at present he is battling lymphoma, with dwindling funds and no health insurance (ongoing difficulties with a congenital hip defect and eventual hip replacement priced him out of being able to afford a policy). Dieckhoff underwent six rounds of chemotherapy beginning last November, and now needs a marrow transplant to survive. He is attempting to line out Medicaid, which should come through, but in the meantime friends are rallying to help. While Dieckhoff's story is frightening, it is also a reminder to all of us to keep health insurance current and to even at our poorest look into those "catastrophic" policies that will cover us in our times of direst need. A trip to your local insurance agent will get you the info you need, and even $75 to $100/month, if you're in good health, can lock you into a serviceable policy. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Eldorado dawn: I was lucky to have some friends who would take me out climbing when I felt up to it. My best effort was leading the first pitch of Tagger (5.9+) in Eldo in May 2006, but while trying to follow Annie Whitehouse up Touch and Go (5.8+) at the end of April 2007 I had to hang. I will be psyched to climb on my birthday (May 13). It's a little tricky with my catheter still installed in my chest, but good for the spirit to be on the rock.
