Memories

Of

Cindy

      It’s with a heavy heart that I must report that we lost Cindy Brochman of MN to her battle with liver cancer this past Sunday Dec. 27th, 2009. It was just a year ago, as she was preparing to go to Italy for the 2009 Ciaspolada Race, that Cindy fell ill and was quickly diagnosed with liver cancer. She put up a valiant fight, as we would expect from her.

     I met Cindy about 7 years ago when she attended our 2003 National Snowshoe Championships in Salt Lake City Utah. She finished in 6th place that year. She would go on to record National Championship finishes of 12th on 2004, 5th in 2005, 5th in 2006, 7th in 2007 and 9th in 2008. She attended the La Ciaspolada Snowshoe race in northern Italy four times, more than any other U.S. snowshoe athlete, male or female. She recorded finishes of 16th in 2004, 18th in 2006, 14th in 2007 and 12th in 2008. Her 2007 and 2008 races put her on the prestigious victory podium in the Worlds’ largest most competitive snowshoe race. She was passionate about the Sport. She served as the USSSA’s Membership Chairperson for 3 years. She served as one of two USSSA International Snowshoe Liaisons for 2 years. She bid on, won and co-directed the 2007 U.S. National Snowshoe Championships at Elm Creek Park near Minneapolis, MN. She was an ambassador of the sport working with Tubbs Snowshoes for many seasons and then running for the Atlas Snowshoe Team her last couple of seasons. She was so important to our sport! Her smile, laugh and love of the snow, will never be forgotten!

Cindy, second from right, with her big smile in Red, White and Blue at 2007 Ciaspolada!

Upon hearing of our loss, the following is what our friends at the Ciaspolada Race in Italy had to say….

Hello Mark,

I would have never received this e-mail. Things in the world are not true too many times.......it's not true.

We just can not believe that, we are very very sorry, we are very close to all of you, to all the USSSA Team.

I'm sure that Cindy will be always with you and she will be here in Fondo giving power and helping the USSSA group during the race.

When things like that happens you understand how many things we must appreciate, we must enjoy.

Life is wonderfull, life is sacred and life is one.Take it and live it much as you can..

 Guys, remember, we are close to you, we think about you, we think about dear Cindy.

 A very big hug to you all.

 Lots of love.

 Tiziana & Ciaspolada's team.

Cindy and Christian Thompson pre-race at 2007 Ciaspolada!

Cindy and Christian, after the awards ceremony at the 2007 Ciaspolada, with some new snowshoe fans from nearby Switzerland!