Sean Elliot, former NBA star and transplant recipient
Chris Klug has shown the courage, resolve, and faith that make me proud to call myself a fellow transplant recipient.


U.S. Snowboarding News
After TO THE EDGE AND BACK, don't be surprised if your own desire . . . to aim a little higher becomes undeniable.


Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Chris Klug is a model for us all with his courage, perseverance, and will to live.... A true American hero.


Book Description
Displaying faith, courage, and perseverance, snowboard racer Chris Klug battled for years to have his "extreme" sport accepted in the mainstream. He rose through the World Cup ranks and won a bronze medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics less than two years after undergoing a lifesaving liver transplant. Not since Lance Armstrong's It's Not About the Bike has a stricken athlete's story been as poised to transcend the sport. In 1996, during snowboarding's World Cup season, Chris was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis-the same disease that would cause the death of his childhood hero, football great Walter Payton. His four-year wait for a donor came to an end when his rapidly failing liver prompted doctors to move him up on the transplant list. With the shooting death of a thirteen-year-old boy, Chris was given the organ that gave him a second chance at life. From his youth as a high school football hero, to his campaign for snowboarding's acceptance, and through surgery, recovery, and Olympic glory, every setback and victory in Chris Klug's ride is riveting. To the Edge and Back will be cherished as a story of an athlete who represents the best of the human spirit.


About the Author
Chris Klug is the first athlete ever to win an Olympic medal after organ transplant surgery. He has compiled four World Cup victories, three Grand Prix wins, five national titles, a U.S. Open victory, a bronze medal in the 2002 Winter Olympics, and is in training for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. He was one of the eight Olympians chosen to carry the Ground Zero flag into the 2002 Winter Games Opening Ceremonies. He lives in Aspen, Colorado. Steve Jackson, from Evergreen, Colorado, is the author of LUCKY LADY, which won the 2003 Colorado Book Award for History.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Snowboarder Chis Klug battled for years to have his extreme sport accepted in the mainstream, rose through the world Cup ranks, and won a bronze medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics less than two years after undergoing a lifesaving liver transplant. An inspiration to millions worldwide, Klug gives us his story of survival and triumph in To the Edge and Back.

SYNOPSIS

Snowboarder Chris Klug battled for years to have his extreme sport accepted in the mainstream, rose through the World Cup ranks, and won a bronze medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics less than two years after undergoing a lifesaving liver transplant. Already an inspiration to millions worldwide, Klug, with award-winning journalist Steve Jackson, gives us his remarkable story of survival and triumph in TO THE EDGE AND BACK. Not since Lance Armstrong's IT'S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE has a stricken athlete's story been as poised to touch the hearts of readers everywhere.

In 1996, during snowboarding's World Cup season, Klug was diagnosed with primary schlerosing cholangitis-the same disease that would cause the death of football great Walter Payton. In April 2000, Klug's liver began to fail so rapidly that doctors, fearing the worst, moved him up on the transplant list. Through surgery, recovery, and Olympic glory, every setback and small victory in Chris Klug's ride is riveting. TO THE EDGE AND BACK is a must-read for the millions of people in the organ donor community as well as all Americans looking for a story of an athlete who represents the best of the human spirit.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"If you ever feel like your life needs a little kick in the pants, then Chris Klug's new book, TO THE EDGE AND BACK, may be just what you need to start your engine."

Tommy G. Thompson

Chris Klug is a model for all of us with his courage, perseverance, and will to live. He is a special inspiration to every person on the waiting list for an organ. He is a true American hero-as are all the individuals who decide to be donors and talk to their loved ones about their decision to donate the gift of life. — Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services

Sean Elliot

By returning to snowboarding after receiving an organ transplant, Chris Klug has shown the courage, resolve, and faith that make me proud to call myself a fellow transplant recipient. By reaching the Olympic medals podium, he has become one of the most inspirational athletes of our generation. And with TO THE EDGE AND BACK, he gives us a story that stands as a moving tale of a fierce competitor and a clarion call to support organ donation. — former NBA star and transplant recipient