Carter’s Loss is Also His Gain continued “It’s difficult to describe the feeling you have toward people who saved your child’s life,” she said. “Not only did they save his life, but they helped us get through it in a way that was positive and supportive. They were always there for us.” One day, Carter hopes to become an oncology nurse, so he can help other young cancer patients like him. Carter also dreams of finding the cure for cancer. In a mock lab set up in a backyard treehouse that he received as part of his “Make a Wish” request, he tinkers with beakers, pipettes, glass slides and a microscope.
proceeds to Children’s Colorado researchers studying Carter’s specific type of cancer. Not long ago, these budding philanthropists got to tour the cancer lab to see the impact that their donations are having on research. A plaque on one of the pieces of equipment in the lab reads “Crafts for Cancer in honor of Carter.” “The nitrogen freezer is named after us,” Carter said, beaming with pride. There couldn’t be a more fitting tribute to this vivacious boy who is not only determined to beat cancer, but to also give back, all with a smile on his face.
Carter has also started raising funds for the hospital by selling arts and crafts that he and his friends make through their Crafts for Cancer project. The group donates 100 percent of their
IN THIS ISSUE Carter’s Loss is Also His Gain................. 1, 4 Melinda: What Courage Means to Me......... 2 Your Gifts in Action...................................... 3 Kids Helping Kids........................................ 4
WHY YOUR GIFTS ARE SO IMPORTANT The need for pediatric research An estimated 15,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and 1 in 5 who are diagnosed will die from the disease within five years. In the United States, cancer is currently the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15.
Kids Helping Kids We’re so proud of these kids, who give their time and energy to make others’ lives better.
With the help of donors, physician-scientists at Children’s Colorado are on the cutting edge of pediatric cancer research that is leading to promising new treatments.
Student council members from Windsor Charter Academy raised an amazing $10,003 for Children’s Hospital Colorado by organizing a read-a-thon at their school!
Today, through advocacy, collaboration and aggressive clinical trials, Children’s Colorado has been instrumental in decreasing the time it takes to get new treatments to kids who need them.
Children’s Hospital Colorado patient, Logan, organized a 3-point and free throw contest called the "Children’s Challenge" at his elementary school, raising more than $2,300 for Urgent Care at Briargate in honor of his brother, Trevor. Even our youngest donors empty their piggy banks to support Children’s Hospital Colorado patients!
CONNECT WITH US: Anschutz Medical Campus 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 045, Aurora, CO 80045 www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org/helpkids
“ Children’s Colorado is at the forefront of some of the most promising pediatric cancer research of our time. But we simply don’t have the funding to support all of the studies we need to do. That’s why community support is vital. By partnering with donors who care as deeply as we do about eradicating childhood cancers, we’ll continue to pioneer new cancer breakthroughs that impact the lives of children here and around the world.”
– Steve Winesett, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Carter’s Loss is Also His Gain Carter was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in second grade. He began radiation and three and a half years of chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital Colorado when he was just 8 years old. His treatment left him tired and in pain, keeping him in the hospital or home from school for weeks or months at a time. To pass the time, he built elaborate Lego creations, did woodworking projects with his dad, Monty, and watched the television show Chopped on the Food Network Channel, which helped make him hungry when he felt nauseated from chemotherapy. He went from being one of the fastest kids in his class to barely being able to walk some days. “The hardest part is that Carter lost the prime of his childhood,” said his mom, Kelly. “He missed field trips, being active and typical kid experiences. It’s tough when you think about what cancer has robbed from him.” But through his difficult journey with cancer, Carter also gained several things: the desire to give back, a strong interest in oncology (the branch of medicine related to the study and treatment of tumors), and a new perspective on life. “I keep saying ‘attitude is everything,’ ” said Carter. “That’s my motto.” Dr. Joanne Hilden, a pediatric oncologist, has been by his side through his entire journey. She met Carter the first night he arrived at the hospital and has been his doctor ever since. Kelly said that Carter’s doctors, nurses, physical therapists and pain specialists at Children’s Colorado have all truly become part of their family. continued on page 4
What Courage Means to Me by Melinda Walker Courage is being myself without fear of judgment. When I was 12, I got severe burns on my stomach and inner thighs from a treadmill accident. I got pulled underneath the treadmill while it was still running and became trapped in-between the wall and treadmill. I was stuck for what seemed like an eternity! Luckily, my aunt was there to stop the treadmill and pull me out. I went to my pediatrician who immediately recognized that I had severe burns. They sent me to Children’s Hospital Colorado, where I was seen by a burn specialist team and learned that I would need surgery. The day of my surgery was my 12th birthday. (Great birthday present, huh?) I was in a cast for about three months so that my skin grafts would stay in place, and then I got the “exciting” news that I would have to wear compression pants for two years. At school, I thought no one would like me because of my scars. I was really scared for people to see them and ask questions. Even now, years later, I am asked questions about my scars. Sometimes I get tired of telling my story several times a day. A few months after my accident, I attended Burn Camp, a camp for pediatric burn survivors through Children’s Colorado. In addition to my family’s support, my time at Burn Camp was the best part of my healing. It helped me to overcome my fear of having scars and feeling different. I learned how
Melinda is a 2017 Patient Ambassador. Every year, patients are nominated for the Ambassador Program for courageously facing tremendous medical challenges while displaying strength and perseverance. Throughout the year, these ambassadors share their stories and represent Children’s Colorado at community events.
to answer people’s questions and how to manage my feelings when people ask me about my scars. I met so many great people – most of whom I still talk to today! It was so cool to see other kids like me who weren’t scared of showing their scars. Ever since camp, I’ve gained the confidence to show my burns and wear shorts, skirts and dresses. I’ve also become more active and have made better friends. I now attend both the summer and winter Burn Camps every year.
Your donations help kids like me find strength and courage. For me, camp is just as important as seeing the doctor, and your support helps to fund these amazing support programs. I am so honored to be a 2017 patient ambassador for Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, and I am grateful to help other children gain confidence and courage – just like Children’s Colorado did for me.
Your Gifts in Action Thanks to you, we’re confronting behavioral health issues Child suicide rates have surged, and kids are dealing with more psychiatric issues than ever. Recognizing this alarming trend, Children’s Colorado has expanded the first comprehensive pediatric mental health program in the region. Meanwhile, our Pediatric Mental Health Institute is engaging local school districts to offer more behavioral health resources and funding research initiatives to inform best practices – all while managing 42,000 mental health patient visits a year. Thanks to you, we’re leading transformative, systemic changes for kids in crisis.
Thanks to you, high-risk babies have a healthy future ahead Just five years ago, the Colorado Fetal Care Center at Children’s Colorado celebrated its first delivery. Since then, we’ve overseen more than 500 deliveries of high-risk babies and completed 1,200+ pioneering fetal surgeries. We treat the most complex fetal anomalies with some of the best success rates in the nation. Thanks to you, we’re able to perform lifesaving interventions on the tiniest of patients, often before they’re born.
Thanks to you, art is medicine at Children’s Hospital Colorado Healing goes far beyond medical care. That’s why our Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program uses the healing power of art, music, yoga and dance to help patients cope with pain and express themselves. Even though these programs aren’t reimbursed by traditional health insurance plans, you allow us to make these services available free-of-charge to every child who walks through our doors.
Thanks to you, we are developing innovations that will save lives Innovation drives the future of child health. But it takes significant resources to transform an idea into a health care device that can transform lives. Children’s Colorado's Center for Innovation provides the resources for entrepreneurial caregivers to turn their concepts and “what ifs” into real-life pediatric health care innovations. Thanks to you, we have at least seven new patents pending for products and services that will heal and save children’s lives.
Your gifts continue to drive progress and save lives. Thank you for your generosity!
2
3
What Courage Means to Me by Melinda Walker Courage is being myself without fear of judgment. When I was 12, I got severe burns on my stomach and inner thighs from a treadmill accident. I got pulled underneath the treadmill while it was still running and became trapped in-between the wall and treadmill. I was stuck for what seemed like an eternity! Luckily, my aunt was there to stop the treadmill and pull me out. I went to my pediatrician who immediately recognized that I had severe burns. They sent me to Children’s Hospital Colorado, where I was seen by a burn specialist team and learned that I would need surgery. The day of my surgery was my 12th birthday. (Great birthday present, huh?) I was in a cast for about three months so that my skin grafts would stay in place, and then I got the “exciting” news that I would have to wear compression pants for two years. At school, I thought no one would like me because of my scars. I was really scared for people to see them and ask questions. Even now, years later, I am asked questions about my scars. Sometimes I get tired of telling my story several times a day. A few months after my accident, I attended Burn Camp, a camp for pediatric burn survivors through Children’s Colorado. In addition to my family’s support, my time at Burn Camp was the best part of my healing. It helped me to overcome my fear of having scars and feeling different. I learned how
Melinda is a 2017 Patient Ambassador. Every year, patients are nominated for the Ambassador Program for courageously facing tremendous medical challenges while displaying strength and perseverance. Throughout the year, these ambassadors share their stories and represent Children’s Colorado at community events.
to answer people’s questions and how to manage my feelings when people ask me about my scars. I met so many great people – most of whom I still talk to today! It was so cool to see other kids like me who weren’t scared of showing their scars. Ever since camp, I’ve gained the confidence to show my burns and wear shorts, skirts and dresses. I’ve also become more active and have made better friends. I now attend both the summer and winter Burn Camps every year.
Your donations help kids like me find strength and courage. For me, camp is just as important as seeing the doctor, and your support helps to fund these amazing support programs. I am so honored to be a 2017 patient ambassador for Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, and I am grateful to help other children gain confidence and courage – just like Children’s Colorado did for me.
Your Gifts in Action Thanks to you, we’re confronting behavioral health issues Child suicide rates have surged, and kids are dealing with more psychiatric issues than ever. Recognizing this alarming trend, Children’s Colorado has expanded the first comprehensive pediatric mental health program in the region. Meanwhile, our Pediatric Mental Health Institute is engaging local school districts to offer more behavioral health resources and funding research initiatives to inform best practices – all while managing 42,000 mental health patient visits a year. Thanks to you, we’re leading transformative, systemic changes for kids in crisis.
Thanks to you, high-risk babies have a healthy future ahead Just five years ago, the Colorado Fetal Care Center at Children’s Colorado celebrated its first delivery. Since then, we’ve overseen more than 500 deliveries of high-risk babies and completed 1,200+ pioneering fetal surgeries. We treat the most complex fetal anomalies with some of the best success rates in the nation. Thanks to you, we’re able to perform lifesaving interventions on the tiniest of patients, often before they’re born.
Thanks to you, art is medicine at Children’s Hospital Colorado Healing goes far beyond medical care. That’s why our Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program uses the healing power of art, music, yoga and dance to help patients cope with pain and express themselves. Even though these programs aren’t reimbursed by traditional health insurance plans, you allow us to make these services available free-of-charge to every child who walks through our doors.
Thanks to you, we are developing innovations that will save lives Innovation drives the future of child health. But it takes significant resources to transform an idea into a health care device that can transform lives. Children’s Colorado's Center for Innovation provides the resources for entrepreneurial caregivers to turn their concepts and “what ifs” into real-life pediatric health care innovations. Thanks to you, we have at least seven new patents pending for products and services that will heal and save children’s lives.
Your gifts continue to drive progress and save lives. Thank you for your generosity!
2
3
Carter’s Loss is Also His Gain continued “It’s difficult to describe the feeling you have toward people who saved your child’s life,” she said. “Not only did they save his life, but they helped us get through it in a way that was positive and supportive. They were always there for us.” One day, Carter hopes to become an oncology nurse, so he can help other young cancer patients like him. Carter also dreams of finding the cure for cancer. In a mock lab set up in a backyard treehouse that he received as part of his “Make a Wish” request, he tinkers with beakers, pipettes, glass slides and a microscope.
proceeds to Children’s Colorado researchers studying Carter’s specific type of cancer. Not long ago, these budding philanthropists got to tour the cancer lab to see the impact that their donations are having on research. A plaque on one of the pieces of equipment in the lab reads “Crafts for Cancer in honor of Carter.” “The nitrogen freezer is named after us,” Carter said, beaming with pride. There couldn’t be a more fitting tribute to this vivacious boy who is not only determined to beat cancer, but to also give back, all with a smile on his face.
Carter has also started raising funds for the hospital by selling arts and crafts that he and his friends make through their Crafts for Cancer project. The group donates 100 percent of their
IN THIS ISSUE Carter’s Loss is Also His Gain................. 1, 4 Melinda: What Courage Means to Me......... 2 Your Gifts in Action...................................... 3 Kids Helping Kids........................................ 4
WHY YOUR GIFTS ARE SO IMPORTANT The need for pediatric research An estimated 15,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and 1 in 5 who are diagnosed will die from the disease within five years. In the United States, cancer is currently the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15.
Kids Helping Kids We’re so proud of these kids, who give their time and energy to make others’ lives better.
With the help of donors, physician-scientists at Children’s Colorado are on the cutting edge of pediatric cancer research that is leading to promising new treatments.
Student council members from Windsor Charter Academy raised an amazing $10,003 for Children’s Hospital Colorado by organizing a read-a-thon at their school!
Today, through advocacy, collaboration and aggressive clinical trials, Children’s Colorado has been instrumental in decreasing the time it takes to get new treatments to kids who need them.
Children’s Hospital Colorado patient, Logan, organized a 3-point and free throw contest called the "Children’s Challenge" at his elementary school, raising more than $2,300 for Urgent Care at Briargate in honor of his brother, Trevor. Even our youngest donors empty their piggy banks to support Children’s Hospital Colorado patients!
CONNECT WITH US: Anschutz Medical Campus 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 045, Aurora, CO 80045 www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org/helpkids
“ Children’s Colorado is at the forefront of some of the most promising pediatric cancer research of our time. But we simply don’t have the funding to support all of the studies we need to do. That’s why community support is vital. By partnering with donors who care as deeply as we do about eradicating childhood cancers, we’ll continue to pioneer new cancer breakthroughs that impact the lives of children here and around the world.”
– Steve Winesett, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Carter’s Loss is Also His Gain Carter was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in second grade. He began radiation and three and a half years of chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital Colorado when he was just 8 years old. His treatment left him tired and in pain, keeping him in the hospital or home from school for weeks or months at a time. To pass the time, he built elaborate Lego creations, did woodworking projects with his dad, Monty, and watched the television show Chopped on the Food Network Channel, which helped make him hungry when he felt nauseated from chemotherapy. He went from being one of the fastest kids in his class to barely being able to walk some days. “The hardest part is that Carter lost the prime of his childhood,” said his mom, Kelly. “He missed field trips, being active and typical kid experiences. It’s tough when you think about what cancer has robbed from him.” But through his difficult journey with cancer, Carter also gained several things: the desire to give back, a strong interest in oncology (the branch of medicine related to the study and treatment of tumors), and a new perspective on life. “I keep saying ‘attitude is everything,’ ” said Carter. “That’s my motto.” Dr. Joanne Hilden, a pediatric oncologist, has been by his side through his entire journey. She met Carter the first night he arrived at the hospital and has been his doctor ever since. Kelly said that Carter’s doctors, nurses, physical therapists and pain specialists at Children’s Colorado have all truly become part of their family. continued on page 4