Ten women with deep ties to the Estes Valley are stepping forward as candidates for Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo 2026, raising funds to ensure that when cancer is detected, patients can take the critical next step in their care.
Originally focused on breast cancer, funds raised this year will support both cancer screenings and follow-up diagnostic testing for uninsured and underinsured patients facing prostate, lung, and colon cancer.
The Crowns for the Care campaign, now celebrating its tenth year, has evolved into one of the Estes Valley’s most successful health care fundraisers. Since its founding in 2016 by Linda Moak, the program has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support cancer-related services and equipment in the Estes Valley.
This year’s candidates are Ana Apodaca, Laura Kate Webermeier Bishop, Jamie Mieras, Meredith Powell, Serena Rappel, Laura Reese, Heidi Salow, Jan Smith, Jean Tasker, and Stacey Winsor.
The campaign’s message is simple: “When something is found, we are there.”
Speaking at a fundraising dinner hosted by Jean and Mark Rissmiller on Friday evening, Estes Park Health Foundation volunteer and Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo committee chair Sherry Unruh reflected on how far the program has come over the past decade.
“There is a point in the campaign where getting the Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo crown is not the goal anymore,” Unruh said. “It’s not about who’s winning Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo. It’s fun, it’s nice to get to ride on a really cute float, but it’s not about that. It’s about making the lives of people in this valley better because we have the things up here that we need to help people.”
Over the past 10 years, funds raised through the campaign have helped purchase equipment and services, including infusion center furnishings, infusion pumps, wound care equipment, mammography technology, a DEXA scanner, MRI support, and ultrasound-guided biopsy equipment. More recently, since the acquisition of Estes Park Health by UCHealth, the focus has shifted from equipment purchases to helping patients directly.
Unruh, who shows up at the candidate’s fundraising events to tell the Crowns for the Care story, said UCHealth can obtain medical equipment through larger purchasing networks than Estes Park Health could, prompting organizers to refocus their fundraising efforts on helping uninsured and underinsured residents access care.
“We started looking at other options,” Unruh said. “One of the things that was suggested to us was, ‘How about doing something for people?’ And Linda and I looked at each other and went, ‘Let’s do that.’”
Last year’s campaign funded a voucher program that provided cancer screenings to Estes Valley residents in need. This year’s effort expands that mission by helping patients obtain the follow-up testing needed after an initial screening identifies a potential concern.
“The worst thing that you can have is to get a diagnosis, and somebody says, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry you have cancer. Bye,’” Unruh said. “We’re going to be here to help them make the next step, and do the next test.”
Each candidate brings a unique connection to the cause.
Salow, an outdoor enthusiast and horse lover, is drawing inspiration from her mother, Linda.
Mieras, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and certified flight instructor, is channeling her energy and commitment to service into the campaign.
Tasker knows this journey personally. As a longtime employee of Bank of Estes Park and cancer survivor, she is supporting a cause that benefits generations of local families.
Reese, a licensed social worker and associate teaching director for Estes Park Community Bible Study, is campaigning in honor of a friend who has been battling cancer for years.
Smith, a registered nurse who spent 28 years in intensive care, is motivated by a career dedicated to ensuring patients receive care regardless of their ability to pay.
Bishop, a fourth-generation Estes Park native and owner of Country Market, continues a family tradition of community involvement.
Powell, a pharmaceutical manager, lodge owner, and co-founder of the Outlaws and Legends Music Festival, brings entrepreneurial leadership and a passion for service.
Rappel, an Allenspark native and local business owner, has focused her campaign on strengthening community connections and supporting the international exchange students who help power the local workforce.
Winsor, a funeral director with Allnutt’s Funeral Services, says she is proud to be part of a community that rallies around neighbors in need and is helping expand access to cancer care.
Apodaca, who emigrated from Mexico and owns El Mex-Kal, is advocating for equitable access to women’s health care regardless of income or geography.
Golf, tacos, trivia, art, and more
For six weeks, candidates vying for the crown work to raise funds for the Estes Park Health Foundation by hosting various events. In 2025, Crowns for the Care raised a record-breaking $139,915.
Some of the upcoming events include a tacos and trivia fundraiser on Monday, June 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the American Legion.
A shotgun golf tournament, guaranteed to be a “tee-rific time” will take place on Friday, June 26 at the Estes Park 18-hole course coordinated by Bishop and Tasker. The entry fee is $125 per golfer. To register, email lkwbishop@gmail.com by Tuesday evening, June 23.
A women’s self defense class organized by Reese and taught by Eric Adams will take place on June 27 from 10 to noon.
On Sunday, June 28, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with the support of Velina Davis of Aspen and Evergreen and Lars Sage of the Art Center of Estes Park, an art show featuring the work of more than a dozen area artists will be held at the Mountain Berry Bakery on Moraine Ave.
From July 1-7, shoppers can support the cause while shopping local at The Country Market grocery store which will donate 3% of its sales to the campaign.
Community members can click here to support individual candidates.
The campaign will culminate on July 10 during Paint Estes Pink, when organizers will crown Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo 2026 and announce the total amount raised.