Keith Garvey (2nd Injury)

About Keith

I currently reside in Ridgway, Colorado, home to the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Growing up in Illinois I had limited exposure to the outdoors.  It was through a ski program at my elementary school that got me into snowboarding and ultimately paved the way to become a Colorado transplant.  First, attending school at Colorado State University and later getting a job as a guide with the Colorado Mountain School in Estes Park.

Career Background

After learning to rock climb my freshman year at C.S.U. I knew a career in climbing and skiing was in my future.  In 1998, I started the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) training and certification process and became an IFMGA licensed mountain guide in 2005.  At which point, I started my own company All Mountain Adventures.  We are a small international guide service offering climbing and skiing to the greater mountain ranges around the world.  To give back, I have donated a lot of my time to the guiding industry.  I sat on the AMGA board of directors from ‘07-’13, have been an AMGA technical committee member for 8 years, and the past president of the Certified Guides Cooperative, a non-profit organization aim at opening up access for certified guides.

Treatment Procedure and Recovery Plan

While ski guiding between La Grave and Chamonix, I tweaked my left knee.  Upon my return to the United States, I completed an MRI and learned that I had a large meniscus tear.  I underwent surgery at The Steadman Clinic to remove a large portion of the torn meniscus.  After surgery, I completed intensive physical therapy to prepare for another climbing trip just a few months later.

Testimonial

"I have had two surgeries in the last two years and thanks to the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation I have had remarkable care. Being a professional mountain guide and relying on my body for work it was of great importance to have a surgeon that understood my profession. When I tore my meniscus in Europe, the foundation immediately responded and in within days I had an appointment with a knee specialist at The Steadman Clinic. From the start of the process of surgery to physical therapy afterward, the foundation assisted me with questions, financial support, organization of appointments and transportation. The foundation staff is an incredible asset to this organization. Throughout both my procedures, they were professional, prompt, friendly and worked tirelessly to make both my experiences seamless. I am so grateful for all the Foundation has done for me, and their commitment to assisting outdoor professionals around the world."

- Keith Garvey (2nd Injury)