Community Health Cruisers
This year, the Community Health and Advocacy team will ride for the first time in the Courage Classic. By donating to our team, you will help us to achieve our goal of $50,000, which will directly fund our essential services impacting thousands of families in our Colorado communities. If we do not reach our goal, your generous donation will still support the needs of Children’s Hospital Colorado’s patients and families through the general fund.
We ride because we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We know that social factors—where children live, learn, and play—shape 80% of their health outcomes. That’s why our Community Health & Advocacy programs integrate with expert clinical care to empower families with the resources they need. And our work is almost entirely fueled by the generosity of supporters like you.
Take Manuel’s journey, for example, the youngest of four siblings and a patient at Children’s Hospital Colorado since birth. Manuel’s parents immigrated to the US and - navigating a new language and a complex health system on a limited income - faced overwhelming obstacles from the start. When Manuel was only 5 months old, his mother, Maria, recalls a cold winter when they were struggling and had nothing to celebrate for Christmas. Everything changed when they connected with one of our Community Health and Advocacy team members — Maria shares: “I told the community health navigator about our difficulties, and before I knew it, we were adopted by a family who gave us so much of what we needed — a highchair, diapers, clothing. They even brought presents for my older kids. They made our Christmas so happy.”
That initial support was just the beginning. Our team has since helped Maria secure Medicaid, arranged transportation to medical appointments, assisted with their electric bill, and provided nutritious food through the Healthy Roots Food Clinic. Today, Manuel is a bright and inquisitive 7-year old, with a big dimpled smile and new dog named Buddy. The holistic support that our team can provide ensures that Manuel, and families like his, has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Vice President and ACNO, Kelly Galloway, puts it best: “We’re here to make sure families have what they need to take charge of their health. It’s not just about medical care; it’s about giving people the tools and support to feel confident in keeping their kids healthy and thriving, wherever they are.”
In case you didn’t know, our impact reaches thousands of families every year. Your contribution helps to support our essential services, including:
- Health Navigation: Helping families to overcome barriers that prevent access to their medical care
- Car Seats: Ensuring safe travel for families in need
- Nutritious Groceries: One bag can feed a family of 10 for a week
- Legal Support Services: Helping families navigate medical and social challenges
- School Nurse Training: Equipping schools to care for children with special health needs
- In-Home Asthma Management: Keeping children safe and comfortable at home
- In-School Dental Screenings: Offering essential care for kids without insurance
Your contribution, big or small, is more than a donation—it’s an investment in our community’s future. By supporting our work, you help us provide the transformative, whole-child care that empowers our families to overcome challenges and thrive.
Thank you for riding with us toward a brighter, healthier future for all!
