Josh Nelson has built his life around helping other people enjoy the Great Outdoors safely. As a river guide, he shares the magnificence and thrill of rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in the summer. In the winter, he keeps downhill skiers safe as a ski patrol supervisor and helps kids thrive in USASA snowboarding and freeskiing competitions. Whether on the river or the mountain, Josh brings a deep knowledge of and reverence for nature, professionalism, engaging stories, and groan-worthy jokes to make every adventure with him an unforgettable one.

Now, Josh is facing his toughest run yet—a fight with stage 2-3 rectal cancer.

He’s been fast-tracked into aggressive daily radiation treatments to keep the cancer from spreading. Chemotherapy is up next followed by 6-12 months of monitoring to determine whether he’ll need surgery.

While insurance covers part of his treatment, the path ahead is full of unknowns, especially with the major changes to health care coverage coming. And although Josh is determined to continue working as a river guide, ski patrol supervisor, and USASA Series Director and event coordinator, his health will ultimately dictate whether he can do so.

(And one of Josh’s jokes is “What’s the difference between a river guide and a large pizza? A large pizza can feed a family of four.”)

We are rallying all those who have been touched by Josh’s generosity to help him cover medical bills and living expenses as he works through his treatment plan and BEATS this cancer.

If Josh has ever tightened your life vest, fixed a ski binding, put a band-aid on your cut, made your coffee, answered your radio call, rescued your Croc from an eddy, reminded you to “be hanging on real good” or “keep your tips up,” now’s the time to return the favor.

Every contribution—big and small—helps keep Josh afloat through this challenge! If you aren’t able to contribute financially, please consider sharing this page with your community to strengthen the current.

We can’t row this boat—or ski this slope—through cancer for Josh, but we can grab a paddle, throw a ski over our shoulder, and help our dear friend stay upright through this challenging time. He’s kept us safe on the river and on the ski slopes for years. Now it’s our turn to keep him safe on his river of life and this uphill battle.

Let’s flood Josh with love, strength, support, and the promise that he isn’t on this run alone.

**The Flagstaff community is hosting a "Cancer Skis in Jeans" fundraiser in support of Josh on November 8 at 5 pm at the Pay-n-Take (12 N. Aspen Ave.). Stop by and win awesome prizes! All funds raised are going to Josh!**