‘A huge impact’: Bend snowboarding community rallying around beloved member following difficult diagnosis
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Saturday, the 13th annual Gerry Lopez Big Wave Challenge is taking over the slopes at Mt. Bachelor—combining surf and snow in a unique way.
But this year is a little different, as the community rallies behind a well-known individual who was recently faced with a difficult diagnosis.
"I've been snowboarding for 22 or 23 years now, at Bachelor for 12 of them,” said Jared Elston, a local snowboarder, in a recent interview with KTVZ News.
In Central Oregon, snow sports are a way of life for many.
"It's a pretty unique situation, where it's just one big family. Everyone brings each other up and supports each other,” said Elston. "It's all just one big snowboard family here in Bend."
One big family — now coming together for a key member.
"Michele has always been the snowboard mom to all of the Bend kids. Everyone that's grown up here, all of the people you see on TV now, Michele had a part to do with that," Elston said. "She's just been an amazing human, taking care of her beautiful family, and I think just bringing a lot of positivity into the world."
Michele Schnake has had her hand in the Central Oregon snow scene for more than a decade—from managing the local competition series for youth to running registration for the Gerry Lopez Big Wave Challenge at Mt. Bachelor.
"She's been a key volunteer here for our event," Gerry Lopez in a recent interview with KTVZ News. "(She's) beautiful. Just patient, having to deal with all these snowboarders. Snowboarders are usually impatient. She has been great! What's so wonderful is that everybody knows her."
But Michele has been faced with a difficult diagnosis. After beating breast cancer two years ago, she was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer.
Now, the community is rallying behind her ahead of the annual Big Wave Challenge.
"The community pulled together to create an auction to help Michele and the costs related with her recent diagnosis," Elston said. "Personal snowboards from myself and the Ferguson brothers, a custom Gerry Lopez Surfboard. There's a lot of cool stuff on there. And then a ton of local goods and services that you can get for pennies on the dollar."
"We just want the Oregon snow people, all people, to just maybe take a look and open their hearts and open their wallets to try and help out,” Lopez said.
Legendary surfer Gerry Lopez started this competition with the Bachelor team 13 years ago, combining his love for surf and snow, aloha spirit, stoke, and the desire to fundraise for worthy causes.
The event typically raises money for Pat Malendoski, who has been battling a similar diagnosis for the past decade. But this year, they're sharing the love with Michele.
"For the snowboard community, she's had a huge impact. So, we're doing all we can,” Lopez said.
"She's been around forever, helping everyone and fostering the community," said Elston. "It's cool to be able to help her out, too."
Michele would like to express her gratitude to everyone who has shown support thus far in her battle.
In a written statement to KTVZ News, Michele said: “It has been incredible how our mountain community has helped myself and Pat Malendowski — who is now a brother to me as he has been fighting this sickness for 10 years and ‘keeps paddling,’ as Gerry says. Thanks to everyone who has donated and showed up for our family. I would also like to thank Mt. Bachelor for its part in this as well. I am forever grateful.”
Click here to view the Big Wave Challenge Auction benefitting Michele.
