CLIMB YOUR MOUNTAIN-A TRUE STORY OF DAVID BOLDA

When David Bolda found out he had Stage 4 inoperable lung cancer, he set a goal for himself to climb Mt. Timpanogos (11,750 ft.) This was no easy task for anyone but it would be especially challenging for someone who was fighting for every breath. It would take incredible determination, strength, and stamina...pure will power, heart and faith.

On the day of the hike David (my dad) was prepared to push his body to the limit and in his own words, "It is my way of thumbing my nose at the disease." He was prepared, armed with his two hiking poles to lean on and several family members and close friends by his side. With each step they climbed slowly but surely, stopping every so often for my dad to catch his breath. The higher they climbed the thinner the air became and the tougher it was on my dad's already strained lungs. But he would not quit, he had a mountain to conquer, he had cancer to beat, he had a goal to pursue and an underlying example to set for his family.

The backpack he was carrying began to weigh 1,000 pounds, threatening to steal the little energy he had left. My brother David, knowing that my dad needed every ounce of strength to continue on, quickly grabbed my dad's backpack and carried it along with his own. Slower and slower they climbed. My dad so weary, breathing heavier and heavier, but forging ahead toward his goal. The support of his loved ones lifting his spirits and encouraging him every step of the way. He was on a mission, an unstoppable, unquenchable desire to prove that the heart is bigger than the cancer and pain.

After several long, grueling hours, my dad's dream and goal was achieved. This mission was accomplished with faith to reach above limits, to trust and rely on the close family and friends that Heavenly Father had placed in his life; helping him through struggles, trials, illness and sometimes incredibly difficult mountains.

STANDING AT THE TOP OF MT TIMPANOGOS~THUMBING HIS NOSE AT CANCER!

My dad survived 5 years after that devastating inoperable lung cancer diagnosis which initially gave him less than a year to live. He made the most of everyday saying, "I've been given another day to live so I'm going to find someone to help each and everyday." These were not just words...he lived it and in doing so, left a legacy, an example and a goal for each one of us to strive for.

The day after my dad's amazing accomplishment he said, "It was a great challenge but I needed to prove to myself that I could do it and to teach my family that they can accomplish much in the face of adversity."

Today on this one year anniversary of my dad's passing, I want to tell him, "Dad, you've climbed your final and greatest mountain....this life. You've reached your crowning glory...Heaven. I'm so grateful to have been given such an incredible example! I'll continue to climb my mountains with the knowledge you've instilled in me...knowing without a doubt: "I can accomplish much in the face of adversity!"

I LOVE AND MISS YOU DAD...TILL WE MEET AGAIN!

CHIEF/CAPTAIN DAVID BOLDA