Family and friends,
It is that time of year again. This will be my 2nd summer riding in the Courage Classic to give hope to Children's Hospital Colorado Heart Institute patients like Tanner and Harper. This is a 2 day biking event at Copper Mountain. The first day is an 80 mile ride on what is known as the Copper Triangle and the 2nd day is a ride of your choice (this year I plan to do the family ride of 25 miles). Also, this year I will be riding in honor of Tanner and Harper.
As you all know, Tanner and Harper were both born with the same congenital heart defect - 3rd degree AV Heart Block. This occurs when the signal is interrupted at the AV node as it travels from the atrium (top of the heart) to the ventricle (bottom of the heart). As a result, both kids have pacemakers that were placed shortly after birth and will require life long care.
Since Harper's medical crisis and prolonged hospitalization in the summer of 2020, she has thrived as a result of the care she receives in all the clinics at Children's Hospital. While we spend the majority of our time in the Heart Institute, she has also benefitted from the care received through GI, ENT, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Speech Therapy, and Physical Therapy. As a result she has been able to come off of some medications and is slowly gaining weight. She is also participating in gymnastics and soccer with no restrictions.
Tanner is also thriving due to the care he receives at Children's Hospital. After our arrival in Denver, the team made adjustments to the settings on the pacemaker which enabled them to lengthen the battery life by a few years. He currently has a little over 1 year remaining on his battery so we are planning for surgery next summer as soon as school is out. We are being strategic so that he does not miss out on his passions: skiing and soccer.
I would be remiss to not give a shout out to Taylor. She is the glue, the anchor and the force that keeps this party of 5 together. Not only is she the middle child but she also is the sibling to not 1 but 2 kids with a complex medical condition. Always concerned when there is an appointment or other issue that requires a visit to Children's Hospital for Tanner and Harper. I could not be more proud of how she handles this role with such grace, care and compassion.
Our relocation to Denver has been life changing for Tanner and Harper. With the level of care they receive from their team of healthcare professionals, their quality of life has improved dramatically. Knowing we are minutes away from world class care allows me to be at ease and sleep at night. This is our 4th major medical institute in 9 years and I wouldn't trust their care to any other place!
The Courage Classic is an opportunity to support positive outcomes and healthier futures for kids like Tanner and Harper. Your support has positive impacts for years to come!