I am riding the Courage Classic because of the amazing work that Children’s Hospital of Colorado does and to help support its mission.
This year I'm riding in memory of Gloria. Here is a message about Gloria from her Grandmother Cherice:
"My name is Cherice Huggins, and I am Gloria Huggins's Niema (grandmother) and caregiver of 9 years. Chenoble Huggins is my daughter and Gloria's mother. I was there when she took her first breath on September 27, 2016, and I was there when she took her last breath on April 6, 2026. Gloria was born with cardiomyopathy. The doctors felt that for Gloria to have a quality of life, a heart transplant would be best instead of replacing the valve that was stuck in her heart. That was to prevent infections or any related sickness. So, I agreed to the heart transplant so Gloria could have the quality of life she deserved. As Gloria is waiting on this heart, her life was medically routine. Her medical routine involved labs, an echocardiogram (Echo), and doctor visits to update us on her condition. Even though every day was scary because her heart could stop at any time. I got a call on October 17, 2017, at 7:30 pm that there was a match for Gloria. On October 18, 2017, at 4 am she was escorted out of her hospital room to receive her new heart. Throughout Gloria's life she was a big sister to 4 siblings, experiencing funny days and annoying days as siblings do. She experienced school and built relationships with friends and teachers. She taught herself how to play the piano. She was able to roller skate and play in the sand of the Atlantic Ocean. Then on January 4, 2025, our lives changed. Gloria cardiac arrested in our home and I tried to save her through CPR. By the time the EMT's and the medical team at Children's hospital Gloria was down for an hour. She cardiac arrested on Jan 9th, twice, not really knowing if this will be a longer road for her to fight to live. But she prevailed from being on ECMO life support twice, growing stronger through the support of her Cardiac team, physical and occupational therapist, music teacher, psychologist, Gloria rose up and began to walk again, talk again, she rode her first bike in Children's Hospital, she was able to play the piano again. She got stronger. We were able to leave the hospital in May of 2025. In June we were able to fly to Disney World, which was scary because I thought I was going to lose her that very next day. But we got through a week with her, me, mom, & siblings. There was a lot of laughing and rain. Gloria made it to her 9th birthday. With the help of Gina's events and other resources, they threw her a beautiful backyard birthday party, bringing people together was amazing. She got tired but she was happy that family, friends, and the community loved her. Finally, her body started to take a toll. Through everything, every poke, every meds, Gloria always smiled, was apologetic even on her worse days, she wanted to please and leave no sad face behind. She loved God, even before her last breath she said she was scared. I said why, she said I worry about you and mom. I said I was going to help your mom stay strong and love your siblings and help her love herself. You know your mom, she's a big baby, she's my big baby, I got her, she smiled and started transition, that was April 5, on April 6, at 6:51 PM she left this earth. I love her, I miss her, my heart is broken, but I know she doesn’t want Niema to be sad. I thank everyone for being a part of her journey and still keeping her in the light."
