Blog Archives

There are no braver souls than children faced with the news that they have type 1 diabetes. It’s not something that’s curable and not something that’s easy to deal with. From the point they absorb that diagnosis, they have to watch what they eat, when they eat, when they exercise, how they sleep–virtually every aspect of their lives are affected.

Enter the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Their mission  is to provide state-of the-art care to children and adults with type 1 diabetes and to teach patients how to prevent or delay complications. Part of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, their research is devoted to finding prevention, cure, and most effective treatment of diabetes and associated disorders. Now one of the largest diabetes institutes in the world, the Center provides state-of-the-art diabetes care to 3600 children and 2400 adults with diabetes from the Rocky Mountain Region as well as receiving national and international referrals.

Barbara and Marvin Davis

Most have heard the story of Barbara and Marvin Davis, philanthropists who founded the Center in 1978 when daughter Dana was only seven when she was diagnosed with type 1 and there was no care center to speak of west of Boston. Dana is now Executive Director of the Foundation and works tirelessly with her team to fund research and care and hopefully look forward to a cure one day. Dana spoke from the heart at last night’s Carousel Ball, sharing memories that when she was first diagnosed, there was only beef and pork insulin–no pumps, no pens, no monitors–just hope.

The Carousel Ball is the hallmark fundraiser for the Foundation and the Center. Entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis were family friends and came to the event back in the day. The event is still star-studded: none other than country superstar Reba McEntire was on hand to provide lively entertainment, and the program was emceed by Mario Lopez.

Well-heeled guests gathered at the Hyatt Regency and spirits were high. Lisa and Tom Corley received the High Hopes Tribute Award and the Founder’s Award went to Richard Abrams MD.

Dana Davis with Advocates

But the real stars always have been and will continue to be the kids. Bright and happy, the “advocates” on hand posed for pictures, greeted guests, gave high fives to bidders and very effectively reminded everyone why they were there. Hopes are high that once the advocates become adults, there will be a cure for diabetes, and when that happens, the Barbara Davis Center will be front and center.

Hearts and heroes come in several sizes. But impact is always huge.

Children and families from the Children’s Hospital Colorado Heart Institute demonstrated this fact for the 34th year, with Lyn Schaffer in her 21st year in spearheading the event.

Alongside them were firefighters from the South Metro District, community members, doctors and health professionals, and prescription pets–all heroes with big hearts.

Marilee and Ben Doud, with their newest dog Sarge, presented the Paws of Praise award to Sandy Miller and Lonnie (who couldn’t attend) from Hope Animal Assisted Crisis Response, and Pam King from Chewy’s Bonetique (longtime supporters).

Dr. Michael Schaffer and Cyd Rodriguez were on stage to present the Heart Who Cares Award (named after Cyd’s parents and started by her 16 years ago) to Dr. Mark Twite, anestheseologist and pediatric critical care specialist from Children’s.

Becca and Alex Kalivas and son Oliver took the stage with a heartwarming and emotional story about Oliver’s challenges that were met every time by the miraculous work at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Then the kids, dogs, firefighters and supporters took the stage to proudly showcase that with resilience and the heart of heroes, anything is possible.

The kids at Creekside Elementary have got it going on. These dedicated young philanthropists have raised money for the Prescription Pet program for two years in a row, and they set a stellar example, along with the amazing dogs who make up the Prescription Pet program for Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Seven students and their teacher, Kathy Paulson, came to speak to the crowd at a reception held at Kuni Lexus on Monday and talk about their efforts to raise more than $2,000 last year. Several prescription pets also came to wag and welcome.

Dr. Sara Mark returned again to deliver remarks and talk about family experiences with Prescription Pet dogs. Some kids actually stand out of their wheelchairs and smile and talk when the dogs are present, when previously they were not making any progress. It’s nothing short of miraculous.

Lyn Schaffer once again coordinated this thank-you/recognition reception at Kuni Lexus and catering was again provided by Biscuits and Berries.

We can look to young adults, and dogs, to provide a successful pattern of living–giving back and helping others. Wag, wag.

The Morgan Adams Concours d’Elegance is an exclusive, exhilarating aircraft, automobile and motorcycle preview with silent and live travel-related auction components. The event brings together a collection that spans all collectible eras, representing an incredible array from the earliest significant air/auto/moto to breathtaking modern jets and super cars. The list of attractions at this event boasts one-of-a kind vintage vehicles, one-off-assembly automobiles as well as custom private jets and extraordinary vintage aircraft.

The Concours did not disappoint again this year as Chair Joe Thibodeau sought to engage in a friendly competition to raise record numbers this year. When a surprise visit unfolded from one of the cancer patients he mentored, Whitney, the emotional current that makes this event so special did indeed reach a high bar. This is what it’s all about–to raise money for treatment for cancer research and see the benefits blossom in a beautiful young lady who has beat her cancer and gone on to a successful career and future.

The money from this event is dedicated to children’s cancer research. The Morgan Adams Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and survival rates of children diagnosed with pediatric brain tumors and other rare cancers.

Really, they should be calling this event “big hearts.” Because that’s what abounded on Thursday when adorable children, dogs, firefighters and supporters gathered at Wings Over the Rockies for the Children’s Hospital Colorado Little Hearts Luncheon and Fashion Show.

This event has been going strong for over three decades, with amazing advocate Lyn Schaffer chairing the event for the 20th time this year. The chance to see the children and their families in a happy and festive setting is what this celebration is all about.

Kim Christiansen expertly took the helm again as emcee–always making things light-hearted and fun. Julie Neva of Chewy’s Bonetique was given the Maxwell Doud Paws of Praise Award, and John Mancheras and Dr. Neil Wilson were given the Sam and Fern Primack Heart Who Cares Award.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Ryan and Amanda Blanchfield took the stage with their kids Cash and Adrina and told the story of how CHC saved Cash’s life.

The kids invariably took the chance to shine when the time came for the runway presentation. A well-deserved platform for joviality, this fashion show provided the opportunity to drop inhibitions and to show that once these kids got through their treatment at Children’s Hospital Colorado, anything else is cake.

The Beaux Arts Ball is arguably the kickoff to the philanthropic season in Denver and sets the bar high for imagination and creativity. This year was no exception as guests were virtually transported to India for the “Bollywood Ball.”

Attendees, dressed in colorful and glittering garb, were treated to energetic music, vibrant colors and high-spirited dance performances of Bollywood. Grand Marshals Michelle & Mike Fries, Gail & Jack Klapper, Karen & Michael Long and Susan Juroe & Michael Schonbrun presided over the festivities and were given an award for their leadership by National Jewish President and CEO Dr. Michael Salem.

The annual gala, presented by the Morgridge Family Foundation, benefits research and care at National Jewish Health, the nation’s leading respiratory hospital. The Beaux Arts Ball is the largest fundraising event for National Jewish Health in Denver. Each year, the black-tie gala raises $2 million or more to benefit patients with respiratory, cardiac, immune and related diseases and to support groundbreaking research conducted at National Jewish Health. Every day, millions of children struggle to breathe because of lung disease. Many other children go from doctor to doctor trying to find out why they can’t breathe. The National Jewish Health Silverstein Family Department of Pediatrics draws children and families from all over the world. There, they receive care from world-renowned pediatric specialists who are setting the guidelines in respiratory medicine.

For more information on this magical event and programs of National Jewish Health, visit www.njhealth.org.

CHILDREN ARE IMPORTANT

“Children are not adults. Their bodies are physiologically different from an adult,” said Dr. Rob Kramer, explaining the importance of research funds needed for children with health issues. Most research is done on adult diseases nationwide, he continued, but, while those studies do help with childhood diseases, much is needed to specifically help children with heart disease and intestinal problems.  Dr. Kramer emphasized this at the brunch preceding an exclusive day of golf at Sanctuary Golf Course and the 21st Annual Children’s Classic Golf Tournament. The Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation depends on events like the Classic Golf Tournament to remain current with the latest in children’s diseases.

When it was founded in 1908 in Denver, Children’s Hospital Colorado set out to be a leader in providing the best healthcare outcomes for children. That calling has consistently made it one of the top children’s hospitals in the nation and a place parents across the Rocky Mountain region have come to trust.

In 1978, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation was formally established as a separate charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated solely to advancing the mission of Children’s Hospital Colorado.

The Foundation believes all children should have the chance for a healthy future. They are committed to community engagement and facilitating philanthropic support on behalf of the children and families Children’s Colorado serves.

Sancturary Golf Course in Sedalia was built by Dave and Gail Liniger, who for more than thirty years have supported numerous non-profits in Colorado. The Sancturary is private, a members only course, which has two members, Dave and Gail Liniger. Their generosity is unsurpassed. Their golf course and club house are dedicated to fundraising and hosting events that benefit their home, Colorado.

The Children’s Golf Classic on August 7, 2017, hosted approximately 124 supporters. The golfers took to the immaculately manicured golf course for an exceptional day of golf, friendship, philanthropy, magnificent food and a staff that would see to one’s every need. Even the golf carts are exclusive, state-of-the-art machines.

Sanctuary is a gift to the senses from Jim Engh of Castle Rock.  America’s brightest new rising star in golf architecture. Except for rattlesnake warnings, Engh and the Linigers have created an ideal setting for charitable events. For those who haven’t had the privilege of an invitation to this ‘little bit of heaven on earth,’ the fairways look like one big exquisite green designed with indigenous rock walls, water falls; cart paths that twist and wind to heights unparalleled on even the most expensive courses in the world.

The all day event included a morning brunch before the shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. On finishing eighteen holes the golfers were met with a post-golf cocktail reception with culinary stations and a tasting with Leopold Brothers fine bourbon. The day was wrapped up with musical entertainment, awards and thank yous to all who participated in this fun day for children across Colorado.

To learn more about CHC please go to:

Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Phone: 720-777-1796 | Fax: 720-777-1799
Anschutz Medical Campus | 13123 East 16th Avenue, B045 | Aurora, Colorado 80045

www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org/support
www.courageis.org

The cause is to benefit “little hearts” but there were some really big hearts present at the 32nd annual “Little Hearts Luncheon and Fashion Show” on Friday.

This heart-warming fashion show and luncheon featured models, who have been treated at the Children’s Hospital Colorado Heart Institute, walking the runway with their heroes – their doctors, firefighters and pets. This unique event benefits the Heart Institute at CHC.

There’s the old saying “dance like no one is watching” and many of the models did just that, taking advantage of their 15 seconds of fame by strutting and dancing with abandonment and just plain enjoying the day through and through.

To kick off the program, longtime Chair and supporter Lyn Schaffer welcomed everyone and introduced Marilee and Ben Doud, who presented the Maxwell Doud Paws of Praise award, in honor of the late dog Maxwell, who was an integral part of the program for many years. The honor was given to Kathleen McBride.

Dr. Michael Schaffer then presented the Sam and Fern Primack “Heart Who Cares” award to Dawn Schmeck and Caitlin Brateng.

Dr. Jeff Darst told a heartwarming yet not uncommon story about a child at CHC who went into trauma recently, and because of the teamwork and legendary talent present, the child was saved and is doing very well now.

The real stars of the day were the models, who have all been patients at CHC and have treated things like open heart surgery and transplants as not a big deal. But it is a huge deal and the huge hearts at CHC are there to make sure the care is the very best of the best.

The power of the love of an animal can never be underestimated.

Friends, wagging tails and supporters of the Prescription Pet Program of Children’s Hospital gathered for the annual Wine and Wags celebration at Kuni Lexus in Greenwood Village, and that point was very evident.

Special guest was former Captain Luis Carlos Montalvan and his dog Tuesday. Capt. Montalvan was a 17-year veteran who was injured many years ago, but only recently lost his leg. “Tuesday provided, and still daily provides, joy, guidance and confidence,” he beamed, as Tuesday patiently waited for his master to do whatever he needed him to do. Montalvan is the New York Times best selling author of “Until Tuesday: The Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him.” 

Dr. Sara Mark and Lyn Schaffer welcomed guests and thanked everyone for their continued support of the Prescription Pet Program.

The Prescription Pet Program (the first in the nation) is a dog-assisted therapy and visitation program that began in 1984 as a cooperative effort of Children’s Colorado and the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society (DAVMS).

As part of the program, specially-trained volunteer dog owners take their dogs on rounds at Children’s Colorado Hospital. All Prescription Pet dogs have passed a vigorous screening and have been approved by veterinarians who volunteer their time. The dogs’ visits with patients can range from a few minutes to 15 minutes or longer, depending on the child’s response. The dogs also assist the medical staff in the psychiatric units and, as needed, in the physical rehabilitation department.

Log on to https://www.childrenscolorado.org/community/donate-volunteer/volunteer/prescription-pet-program/ to find out how you can participate or assist.

Sometimes the things that are the best for us are unspoken.

Dogs have an extra-sensory way of knowing when we need love and guidance and encouragement. Just being around man’s best friend gives a sense of calmness and well-being, and this is why the Prescription Pet program at Children’s Hospital Colorado has been successful and growing for the past 31 years.

“Over the next two years our dogs will be interacting in a controlled manner with patients on the autism spectrum,” says one of the original founders, Dr. Sara Mark. “The study is carefully designed to measure psysiologic changes in children when they are in the presence of dogs.”

There was no question how happy dogs made attendees at this year’s Wags and Wine event at Kuni Lexus in Greenwood Village on Tuesday night. Smiles abounded and tails wagged and friends hugged. This event brings awareness of the Prescription Pet program that started with 4 dogs and has grown to 40 teams.

Volunteers are always welcome: check out the program at www.childrenscolorado.org.