I’m super excited to be riding in the Courage Classic again this year. The Courage Classic is a two-day bike tour through the mountains of Colorado to support the Children’s Hospital Colorado. I have been fortunate in the past to volunteer at this amazing event and this will be my third-year riding. I worked as a nurse at Children’s Hospital starting in 2015 and through the years, I was in the position to provide care to some amazing children and their families facing challenging times. I have since gotten a new job, but the PICU at CHCO will always hold a special place in my heart. I ride to give hope to the thousands of children that end up at Children's Hospital Colorado.
I am super grateful to be a part of the PICU Peloton team and get the opportunity to ride alongside my wonderful and inspiring former coworkers and current friends. The PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) cares for about 3,000 patients per year. These critically ill patients are kids from Colorado along with parts of Montana, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, and New Mexico. These kids will not be the last to face a life-threatening illness and their families will not be the last to navigate a frightening diagnosis. Last year we were able to raise over $80,000 which allowed us to improve the unit like getting iPad stands in every patient room, privacy screens to support our patients and families during some challenging situation, supporting resiliency for our staff, and supporting families. The PICU Peloton is hoping to raise more than $50,000 again this year!
The Courage Classic not only a personal challenge for myself, but also an opportunity to support positive outcomes and healthier futures for children. Any donation or support is greatly appreciated!