I have been involved with Children’s Hospital Colorado, one way or another, for what seems like a lifetime. I first stepped foot in this amazing place way back in 2012 as a visiting medical student. It was my first time in a U.S. hospital and boy did that set a high bar! I was dumbfounded by its pristine infrastructure, patient and family member centered care and amenities. Sure, I had come to this place in pursuit of medical knowledge, but it was its incredibly welcoming, dedicated, and caring staff that struck me the most. Over the course of two months, I learned about this institution’s values and commitment to its patients and their family members.
A few years later, as a researcher, I had the privilege of witnessing and participating in some of the cutting-edge research that takes place at CHCO, where I learned about a side of medicine that I was not too familiar with. One where the goal was of not only helping the patient in front of you, but also the countless ones that will come after them. One with the objective of finding answers to unanswered questions, and ultimately advancing healthcare as a whole.
Finally, during my time a resident physician, I had the honor of being part of a team providing world-class healthcare to children from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. In particular, being on service in March of 2020 taught me about the resilience of this place. When fear and uncertainty stopped the world on its tracks, its staff hunkered down and rose up to the task of continuing to do what they do best: helping children in need.
I ride to give back to a place that has taught me so much. I ride to help a place that has shaped so much of the person I am today. I ride for my own loved ones who have received world-class care here. I ride to give hope to Children’s Hospital Colorado patients like Piper.
Piper was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma – a form of cancer that was growing as a soft tumor in her spine. Today, after many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation at Children’s Hospital Colorado, the creative, big-hearted elementary schooler is cancer free. Piper's family says they made it through a lot of tough days with help and support from every area of the hospital.
The Courage Classic is an opportunity to support positive outcomes and healthier futures for kids like Piper.