I ride to give hope to Children’s Hospital Colorado patients like Olivia.
I was very fortunate to meet a very special little girl in our NICU named Olivia. I was the nurse who received report that Olivia was quite ill and would be coming to our NICU for care. While I didn’t get to meet Olivia when she arrived, I checked in on her and her beautiful family in the following days. As we learned more about Olivia each day it was discovered that she had craniosynistosis, and some cardiac anomalies, in addition to a cleft lip and palate. Olivia spent 188 days in the hospital, undergoing treatment, therapies and surgeries to treat her condition. She had multiple pulmonary hemorrhages, requiring 15 units of blood. Olivia underwent heart surgery, skull surgery, and needed a tracheostomy to help her airway. So many times I was the nurse to take Olivia to these procedures and care for her when she returned. I would reassure her family and I would always tell her I loved her, to behave and I would see her when she came back, we are buddies. We celebrated milestones and holidays together, as her mom and I would find some fun activity or outfit to dress her in for the occasion - Olivia was not always a fan of our ideas. There were good days and hard days in the NICU, lots of laughter, tears, poop and spit up, but Olivia kept on her own course, and made it home just after her 7 month birthday. This year I am riding in honor of my sweet friend Olivia, as it was a honor to be a part of her journey and to get her home to her loved ones. Olivia reminds me to never give up that we can do hard things. Thanks girl!
The Courage Classic is an opportunity to support positive outcomes and healthier futures for kids like Olivia.
