Thank you for visiting my courage classic fundraising page! I am excited to be tackling another 100 miles on my bike in the mountains of Colorado again this July to raise money for the Heart Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado. I am excited to report that I'll be riding again on Sunday with my 9 year old daughter, Claire!
This year, I am riding for an incredible woman, Wendy! I first met Wendy at my workout studio where she is an amazing instructor, and learned later that she has a history of congenital heart disease - pulmonary stenosis. She initially underwent an interventional catheter procedure (balloon valvuloplasty) at 6 months of age. She carried on a normal life (actually was given a "clean bill of health" and discharged from cardiology care at age 18!) - playing sports, becoming a fitness instructor, and have 2 healthy pregnancies and births. However, at age 36, Wendy experienced a rapid decline in her health, barely able to participate in daily actives, let alone care for her young sons. She soon discovered that her heart was under significant strain with free pulmonary and tricuspid valve regurgitation and severe right ventricular dilation. She quickly learned that she needed open heart surgery to replace and fix her valves - something that occurred in January 2026 at Children's Hospital Colorado. Wendy is happy to now be in the are of the adult congenital heart disease team at CHCO and wishes she knew more about her congenital heart disease and the importance of its impact earlier in her life. Her hope is that all CHD patients receive proper are for their entire lifetime, and not lost in the system as she was.
I am incredibly honored to ride for Wendy this year and help share her story and message. I'm proud to support patients and families affected by CHD by raising both awareness and funds for this important cause. Every dollar donated goes directly toward helping these patients and their families with things like lodging, meals, and other essential support during their journey. Thank you SO MUCH for your generosity and support!
