Gunnison Tough

05/27/2026

🎶 Songwriter Spotlight: Earl Bud Lee

Behind some of country music’s most iconic songs is a storyteller who helped shape the sound of a generation.

Earl Bud Lee is the creative force behind hits like “Friends in Low Places” made famous by Garth Brooks, “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” recorded by Blake Shelton, and “One Night at a Time” by George Strait.

Since the early ’80s, his ability to pair honest lyrics with unforgettable melodies has left a lasting mark on country music, and continues to inspire the next generation of songwriters in Nashville and beyond.

We’re proud to celebrate artists like Earl who bring stories to life and help make events like ours so meaningful.

👉 Learn more about our mission:
https://gunnisontough.com

05/21/2026

8 seconds to hold on. 🐂

A lifetime of grit to keep going.

Bull riders know something the rest of the world is still learning: toughness isn't about never getting knocked down. It's about what you do when you hit the dirt.

We see that same fight every single day.

In the patient who shows up for treatment when everything in them wants to quit.

In the caregiver who keeps going even when they're running on empty.

In the survivor who wakes up every morning and chooses to keep living fully.

BULLFEST brought the thunder to Gunnison. And Gunnison Tough is proud to stand alongside an event that embodies everything we believe in.

Tough is what we do. 💪🤠

https://gunnisontough.com/events/bull-fest/

05/15/2026

When you hear the words "you have cancer", everything changes in an instant. 💙

The appointments. The paperwork. The phone calls. The decisions you never thought you'd have to make. It is a lot for anyone to carry.

That's why Gunnison Tough made sure our community doesn't have to carry it alone.
We fund 1/3 of the salary for the Oncology Nurse Navigator at Gunnison Valley Health, a compassionate, knowledgeable professional whose entire role is to walk alongside cancer patients through every step of their journey.

From the first appointment to the last treatment, she is there.

Because in the Gunnison Valley, we take care of our own.

You are not alone. Not on our watch.

05/13/2026

High altitude. High UV. High stakes. ☀️

Skin cancer is the most common, and most preventable, cancer in the US.

Wear your SPF. Check your skin. Talk to your doctor.

Gunnison Tough has your back year-round.

05/11/2026

Awesome! 👏🏻

We are incredibly proud to share that our CEO, Jason Amrich, has been recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as a Top Rural Health Care CEO to Know.

From Epic EHR transitions and surgical robotics to a $12 million paramedic station campaign and a culture of quality and accountability, Jason's leadership has transformed GVH into a nationally recognized rural health system that continues to raise the bar for what community-centered care can look like.

Check out the full article and list in the comments.

05/11/2026

There's tough. And then there's GUNNISON Tough. 🐂🤠

Last year BULLFEST brought something special to our community, the thunder of hooves, the roar of the crowd, and the kind of Western spirit that makes this valley unlike anywhere else.

Gunnison Tough is proud to host an event that embodies everything we stand for, grit, community, and showing up for each other.

Big things are coming. Stay locked in.

05/09/2026

Happy Oncology Nurses Month to the extraordinary oncology team at Gunnison Valley Health. What you do matters more than words can express. This valley is so lucky to have you.

They administer treatments, monitor care, and navigate complex and ever-changing medical needs, all while holding the hands of patients and families walking one of the hardest roads of their lives. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!

05/06/2026

A cancer diagnosis can turn your world, and your finances, upside down overnight. 💚

Friends of Tough Financial Assistance helps Gunnison Valley residents cover essential expenses like lost wages, medical bills, and everyday expenses, so they can focus on what matters most: their health.

The Friends of Tough Financial Assistance Program experienced significant growth in 2025, serving 32 clients and providing more than $111,000 in financial assistance. This marks a substantial increase from the $46,000 distributed in 2024.

Because no one should have to navigate this alone.

👉 Learn more:
https://gunnisontough.com

05/04/2026

Cancer doesn’t just impact one person; it impacts the whole family. 💛

Sparky’s Fund provides support, connection, and meaningful experiences for children whose families are navigating a cancer diagnosis.

So far in 2026, we have supported families by funding a parent date night, covering ongoing monthly childcare expenses, and paying for a child’s summer camp tuition.
Because kids need support too.

👉 Learn more:
https://gunnisontough.com