I am riding in the Courage Classic for Zack and the staff who cared for him at Children’s Hospital.
My son, Zachary Mayer-Bickel, contracted bacterial meningitis during his birth on May 25, 1999. We were fortunate that staff at Boulder Community Hospital soon recognized that something was wrong. Shortly thereafter, my tiny baby was in an ambulance to Children’s Hospital.
Zack spent three weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s. For me and his father, his grandparents, and the other family who supported us, it was a harrowing experience. But the care Zack received was extraordinary, and the remarkable staff at Children’s supported us throughout this terrifying time. The doctors, nurses, and other staff were knowledgeable, thoughtful and kind. Their expertise and constant attention made all the difference. When Zack entered Children’s, we were told the odds were high that he would be permanently injured by his illness. Three weeks later, the doctors were hopeful that he would be OK.
Zack is now 26. He graduated from Oberlin College in 2021, and he has been teaching English in Japan for the last two years. He is a healthy young man. We are so grateful.
For most of the last 25 years, our family members and friends have ridden in the Courage Classic as Team Zachary. This includes Zack’s grandparents (Tom and Sara Mayer), me and his father (Peter Mayer), Zack’s brother Miles, many friends, and Zack himself. This year, I am the only family member riding, but I am proud to represent the team and to once again give thanks to Children’s for all they have done for Zack and our family.
Join us in supporting Children’s Hospital and the children and families like ours that it serves.
