Children’s Hospital Colorado has always had a special place in my heart. At 14 years of age I was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and later rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. I spent the majority of my teenage years and young adulthood at Children’s undergoing exams, tests and treatments. It was trying and difficult but the staff of nurses and doctors at Children’s were extraordinary. They encouraged me to participate in my own healthcare and to not let my condition define who I was. I couldn’t have done it without Children’s and now several years later I am paying it forward.

Currently, I work at Children’s Hospital Colorado as a nurse practitioner in the Emergency Department. I as well as an amazing team of individuals care for children and their families during their time of need. It is an incredible privilege and responsibility. In the Emergency Department we strive to bring a seriousness of medical preparation and a feeling of kindness to what is often a difficult and scary time. I am proud that the Emergency Department is always open and ready to provide life-saving care, healing and help in crisis for any child who needs it.

I am riding with the Emergency Department team Level One to help support the Emergency Department and Urgent cares at Children’s Hospital Colorado as well as to support the children and families that need our care. Who knows, the next patient I see might be like myself with a difficult to identify condition in need of care.

The Courage Classic is not only a personal challenge for myself to prove that illnesses/ ailments don’t define us but rather make us stronger but also an opportunity to support positive outcomes and healthier futures for children and families who rely on Children's Colorado for care! 

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Thanks for your support,

Nicole