Zane (7) and Zeke (5), Children's Hospital Colorado patient ambassadors
I am very excited for my second year riding in the Courage Classic to support amazing kids and the Children's Hospital. I ride with the Cardiac Climbers, we ride to raise money for the Heart Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado dedicated to kid heart warriors who have been cared for, or continue to receive care, like brothers Zane & Zeke:
Zane, age 7 and Zeke, age 5, are brothers born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
"At our 20 week ultrasound with Zane we found out that he had a heart defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Zane was five days old when he had his first open heart surgery. He had a month long hospital stay following surgery where he tried to learn to eat, but was unable to do so safely. He had a g-tube placed and went home on Christmas Eve! At four months old he had his second open heart surgery. Zane had his third open heart surgery at two years old and most recently had one in February. He still uses a feeding tube for nutrition, but it doesn't slow him down. He loves absolutely every second of life.
We found out early in pregnancy that Zeke also had HLHS. It is rare for siblings to be born with HLHS, but here we are. Zeke had his first open heart surgery at two days old. Within 48 hours of surgery, Zeke's heart stopped and he was placed on ECMO for three and a half weeks. Zeke survived the odds and came home 74 days later! Two months after being home Zeke was brought by ambulance to Children's Colorado. Hours after arrival, his heart stopped twice in 48 hours. Zeke was placed on the transplant list and after 123 days Zeke came home with a new heart! Since then, he has thrived. He does still have lasting GI complications requiring a central line for IV nutrition, but he is growing and happy.
The doctors and nurses at Children’s Colorado make us feel confident in their ability to care for our boys while also listening to us as parents.
Children's volunteers and child life have been absolutely amazing in supporting our family through the hard days.
This hospital is the reason that I get to see my boys grow up! Giving helps families like ours get the expert care so they can see their kids grow and thrive!"
The Courage Classic is an opportunity to support positive outcomes and healthier futures for kids like Zane & Zeke.
Thank you for visiting and please consider donating!!
Kate
