Embracing Good Health: How to Make the Most of Your Vitality

Coy Bretthorst faced a tough battle after his leukemia diagnosis in 2018. At that time, finding hope felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. He visited multiple doctors, but each delivered grim news. “I thought I was dying,” he recalled. Even in California, where he sought experimental treatments, the outlook was bleak.

But Coy surprised everyone, overcoming cancer for the second time by late 2020. Now, more than five years later, he’s still thriving. Recently, he and his son Ty climbed Mount Sopris to honor a dear friend. Just five days after turning 80, Coy found himself on top of that stunning peak.

“It was incredibly emotional,” he shared. Ty, who supported his father throughout, felt the weight of the moment. “He never thought he could do something like this. The fact he’s not only alive but healthy at 80 is extraordinary.”

Their first attempt at the summit wasn’t successful. A storm forced them to turn back just before the final stretch. Instead of giving up, they tried again a week later, and this time they reached the 12,965-foot peak.

“It felt amazing,” Coy said. “Climbing Sopris was no easy feat. Looking back, I feel no fear. I conquered it at 80, and that’s enough for me.”

For Ty, the experience was special. “It was just the two of us at the top. It’s what he wanted, and I’m glad we made it happen.”

Coy’s journey hasn’t been easy. After battling cancer, he lost nearly 50 pounds but has since regained about 20, staying active with biking and hiking. Mount Sopris marked his third climb, and he recalled a similar promise from a past battle with bladder cancer. He had vowed to run a 10K with Ty if he pulled through. “I had never even run six miles before,” he laughed, remembering that challenging experience.

Through it all, Coy focused on small goals, like caring for his garden, while always keeping a bigger dream in sight. “When you fight for so long, you need something to look forward to,” he said.

His inspiration for climbing Sopris at 80 came from his late friend, Adolf Deimoz, who did just that in the 1990s. Coy and his wife, Mary, moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in the 1970s, where they have built a life with animals and plenty of fruit trees.

“After surviving, all I wanted was to live fully,” Coy shared. “If I ever made it to 80, I wanted to climb Sopris.”

Now, as he enjoys life with Mary, Coy reflects on his journey. “Coming close to death has brought me joy in the little things. I’ve learned to appreciate every day.” With gratitude, he embraces each moment, feeling fortunate for both health and companionship.

At a time when many fear aging, Coy is a testament to resilience and the joy that comes from overcoming life’s challenges.



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