Supporting the Gumbiner Family

When one of our own is in need, the Steamboat community steps up. The Gumbiner Family has been at the heart and soul of the Steamboat community for three decades and now they need our help.

Michael has been diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease (HD), a brain disease passed down in families from generation to generation that devastatingly has no cure. Through his diagnosis, the family is better understanding challenges and symptoms faced by Silas (their son) that indicate an anticipated Juvenile Huntington's Disease (JHD) diagnosis. HD is caused by a mistake in the DNA instructions that build our bodies and keep them running; people with HD have a small error in one gene called huntingtin and, over time, this error causes damage to the brain. Michael and Silas have already and will continue to experience deterioration in their physical, mental and emotional abilities.

Christina and Michael Gumbiner have lived, loved and thrived in the Steamboat Community since first moving here in 1992 to teach skiing. Both have worked for Steamboat Ski Resort and now, as leaders of the resort, have helped shape the resort transformation and solidify the future as a world class destination. Christina is a brilliant culinary mastermind and was the person behind developing and bringing to life the Taco Beast. Christina was recently recognized with a lifetime achievement award from the Colorado Restaurant Association, a well-deserved honor as she embodies all that the award represents and shares her passion for culinary excellence with everyone.

Unfortunately, this means the Gumbiners will have to leave their beloved jobs at the resort and relocate to Grand Junction where more medical services are available. There is a long journey ahead for the entire family. We know they will put their best face forward and mask the physical and financial difficulties ahead. This is our chance to return the love they have spread so far in our valley and beyond and support them financially so they can focus on being together as a family and addressing the symptoms of this terrible disease.

The family recommends people do more research into HD to understand the possible symptoms and impacts. They know it’s an unfamiliar disease and they want to shed light on and educate their friends and family as it’s another example of why empathy is always a good first assumption when dealing with people- you just never know what’s going on inside.

Thank you for your support!