Why I Ride
Every summer Children's Hospital of Colorado sponsors a two day mountain road bike trek in colorado's high country, called the Courage Classic. Riders are challenged to collect donations to support the hospitals work, and physically challenged to ride over 100 miles, over some incredible mountain peaks. All the funds I collect are given directly to the Heart Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado.
I ride as a member of the Cardiac Climbers team, for kids like Gabriel.
"Gabriel was our miracle baby, conceived after a long infertility journey. After our anatomy scan, a fetal echo revealed that he had pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. A simple heart cath was supposed to repair his heart and allow him to live a long, healthy life. At 4 days old, his heart cath revealed his heart was sicker than originally thought. We almost lost him to lactic acidosis, but he miraculously recovered. Roughly 2 weeks later, we were transferred to Children’s, where Gabriel was also diagnosed with Ebstein’s anomaly, right ventricle dependent coronary circulation, left main coronary artery atresia, and atrial septal defect. He was quickly evaluated for a heart transplant, and we waited for him to improve enough to be officially placed on the list. We had a few hiccups along the way; he suffered a peri-attack at just over 3-weeks-old but recovered quickly. Gabriel struggled with gaining the lung strength needed to be extubated. His heart was enlarged, which put stress on his lungs. Despite his challenges, he continued to grow and beat his odds. At just over 6-weeks-old, we were finally able to remove his breathing tube and he graduated to a BiPAP mask. We were so encouraged by Gabriel’s progress and allowed ourselves to feel hopeful about his prognosis. Our world came crashing down 3 days later when he experienced cardiac ischemia, the day that he was supposed to be officially placed on the heart transplant list. He will forever be so deeply missed."
Gabriel will not be the last child to face a life-threatening illness, and his family will not be the last to navigate a frightening diagnosis like his. The Courage Classic is both a personal challenge for me, and an opportunity to support positive outcomes for kids and families who need Children's Hospital here in Colorado.
When I think about Gabriel and his family, their courage and dedication, it gives me energy and strength.
Please consider making a donation to Children's Hospital. Gabriel's family and I would really appreciate your help!
Love, Deb
