On December 7, Team DFL will race (ok, “race”) up 3,268 snowy vertical feet to the summit of Aspen Mountain under the cover of night to honor Conor’s dad, Ed Walters. Please help us meet our goal of being first in fundraising, last in racing.
We lost Ed suddenly on September 28, 2019. He was 47 and father to Conor, Liam, and Owen – a fierce mountain biker, roller hockey enthusiast, autocross expert and our remote IT support. His story didn’t end there, however, because Ed was an organ donor. Amid our grief, we found some comfort knowing his gift meant that other families got the news they had been waiting for – the joy of an extended life, or an improved quality of life.
This is our third Summit for Life. We race to honor Ed, but also to help shorten wait times for those waiting for a lifesaving organ or tissue donation. Our mission is to win the fundraising race, if not the actual race. We are Team DFL (dead effing last) for two reasons – it was the name of Ed’s roller hockey team, and also, we will be so slow. Did I mention it was 3,268? STARTING at 8000 feet? At night? In the snow? And half of our team comes from sea level the day before?
This year, Team DFL includes: sisters Denise (Walters) Zubrod (Notre Dame '92) and Lara (Walters) Hoffmans (Notre Dame ’97). They are joined by honorary sister Laura Hoffman (NYC), Basal local Alyson Gish (GM Of Dancing Bear), Adam and Jane Ambro (ND '97) and Alex Mark (Aspen). Conor and his mom, Tara Walters (Notre Dame ’95), will provide support and encouragement from the top of the mountain.
