I’m riding in the Courage Classic in July at Copper Mountain with my team, the Cardiac Climbers. As some of you may know, I work in the Cardiac ICU at Children's Hospital Colorado. We are riding to raise money for our Heart Institute at CHCO; all money raised goes directly back to projects across our department. Please help me reach my goal of $500!
This year I am riding for Fiona, a patient I have had the privilege to take care of many times over the last several months.
Fiona was born with a rare heart defect in which the two major vessels coming out of her heart – her aorta and pulmonary artery – were switched. This is a serious complication that requires surgery within the first week of life. Fiona successfully completed this operation but then faced several complications, including severe kidney failure.
This complication is what brought her to the cardiac ICU at CHCO, where she was placed on a machine that continuously filtered her blood. Throughout her hospitalization at CHCO, Fiona has faced several additional complications, including blood clots, infections, and adrenal insufficiency.
Fiona is feisty, fierce, and adorable, and while she has overcome a lot in her short life, she still has a demanding journey ahead.
By donating to the Courage Classic, you can help to support kids like Fiona now and in the future. Thank you!