Colleen Mickey has been a true friend, an invaluable mentor and a consummate professional in the world of figure skating. Now a disease threatens to take her life. Growing up as a competitive figure skater alongside some of the greats, Colleen took her love of skating and joined the Ice Capades. A show skater for 3 years, she found her true calling as a figure skating coach, spreading her love of skating to children. Colleen began coaching in 1988 in Ft. Collins, Colorado, while attending Colorado State University. She found her permanent skating home in 1994 at Iceoplex in Escondido, CA home of Escondido Figure Skating Club. Colleen has shaped many young lives, not only in the ways of skating, but also acting as a mentor for dozens if not hundreds of young people. Her kindness and warmth has been a constant inspiration to all who have known her. In 2004, Colleen was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. There are over 30 types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but her disease is one without a cure and unfortunately only holds an average life expectancy of 5-15 years. Her competitive nature is unmatched and is a testament to her spirit that she hasn't yet needed treatment. Although the average victim of this disease receives their first round of treatment between 6 months to 2 years from time of diagnosis, this was not the case for our Colleen. Since her initial diagnosis, many great leaps have been made for the treatment of this disease. Because this is an indolent form of lymphoma and non-curable, her oncologist wants to wait until she shows more signs of the cancer progressing to begin treatment. The initial treatment will be the monoclonal antibody called Rituxan, then most likely later a bone marrow transplant. Because skating coaches are independent contractors and insurance can only cover so much, we are sure you can all imagine the kind of finical toll this can take on Colleen and her family. Ultimately this presents major hurdles to her overall wellbeing and recuperation. As friends of Colleen, we are asking you to donate what you can spare. Every donation counts, as every penny will go in to a savings fund that will be there to help Colleen battle her disease. We also encourage you to share this fundraising initiative on social media websites. We understand that cancer affects the lives of all who are around it. Many fundraising efforts have no clear way of telling you where your money is going. With Friends of Colleen, 100% of funds will be placed in a savings account towards Colleen’s treatment. Even if you cannot donate, please help by spreading the word. Together we can provide comfort for Colleen in this trying time. Please consider a donation for our beloved friend Colleen. Anything is appreciated in helping us score a triple Axel against this disease.