Blog Archives

Golfers don’t use umbrellas.

Oh, what a beautiful day. Typical of our fickle-weathered state, it started out glorious. Every golfer I passed commented on the gorgeous weather and how much fun they were having. The shot-gun kick-off game had everyone starting at the same time at different holes. Scores were important of course, always among foursomes of friends and family who had joined the event knowing their green’s fees were going to this important fundraiser benefitting the Colorado Neurological Institute.

Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI), is a non-profit neuroscience organization. It has  provided research, education and patient services for persons with neurological conditions and their caregivers since 1988. As the only nonprofit organization in the Rocky Mountain Region of its kind, CNI offers patients easy access to comprehensive, state-of-the-art care, support services, clinical trials, outpatient neuro rehab, classes, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, clinical trials, counseling and more.

CNI is especially helpful to those suffering from the neurological disease of Parkinson’s. PD is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system mainly affecting the motor system. Tom Draayer and Betsy Mathies who suffer with PD, were sincerely grateful to CNI’s research that help them with their everyday life. Draayer demonstrated a small device that, when activated by his motions, allows him added flexibility, like on the golf course. He showed the audience the limitation of his hand without the electronic device. Then proudly showed how he was able to play a great game of golf this day with a solid, yet flexible grip. All due to the small box that stimulates his nervous system where needed. It was remarkable to see.

When you are diagnosed with a neurological condition it takes more than just a doctor to help you live the best life possible. Tami Lack, executive director, added an addendum to Betsy and Tom’s presentation. She reminded everyone chowing down on the burgers and brats that Tom’s success was from the fundraisers and donations that went to research. She was not afraid to ask for a donation and encouraged each golfer to fill out a donation form at their seat.

Bear Dance Golf Club extolled the effects of Colorado’s endless weeks of rain. The bright neon fairways and manicured greens glowed magnificently with picturesque foothills and snow capped Rocky Mountains as the backdrop. The beauty of it all made everyone play a little better, I’m sure.

The Mission of Colorado Neurological Institute is to enhance the delivery of personalized, comprehensive and state-of-the-art care to patients with neurological conditions through coordinated research, patient services and education. If you’re experiencing a neurological condition, please call 303-788-4010. You will be referred to an associate or one of their numerous programs. www.thecni.org

Proceeds from the Classic allow CNI to provide research, patient services and education programs to patients, caregivers, and physicians facing neurological conditions.

Happiness is a positive idea. A philosophy that says it’s possible to create a productive and happy life, especially for Coloradans with neurological disorders.  With the support and commitment of the Colorado Neurological Institute many, indeed, live well and enjoy happy lives.

For 26 years, CNI has been committed to making sure that all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, have access to state-of-the-art medical care, support services, education, ongoing rehabilitation and research opportunities. Saturday, September 13, at the Grand Hyatt, hundreds celebrated CNI’s patients, caregivers and the state of being happy. Even while facing difficult neurological conditions, many of CNI’s patients have re-discovered happiness and continued their commitment to doing everything in their power to “live well”. This event supports CNI’s efforts to help individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, hearing disorders, brain tumors and Huntington’s, to live the best life possible through clinical research, patient services and education.

The event was an unparalleled, colorful Fall evening, designed to celebrate friends, family, doctors, patients and volunteers. Patients such as Nancy Ivankoe and Paul Cunningham were there to share their renewed health and show support for CNI which has made a significant difference in their lives.

Mr. Eddie Robinson, the man known for milk, was given the 2014 Community Champion Award for his tireless work with the organization. Family and friends gathered Saturday night to honor and congratulate the man who continues to give generously of his time and philanthropy to the Denver community.

The evening’s finale began with auctioneer, Gary Corbett. He moved items with rapid fire, such as a balloon ride, a hike up a 14er with Chris Tomer and Dr. Rajeev Kumar; tickets to the Great American Beer Festival from Tommyknocker Brewery, tennis lessons, a signed Elway jersey, California wine country tour and tasting, a luxury vacation in Fiji, fine art by Paul Cunningham, a Mexican vacation, a Canadian tour and, tickets to the 2015 People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles.  Corbett kept the bids and money moving fast and furious for the organization.

Breathless and spent, the guests relaxed to the rocking sounds of The Outliers, one of Denver’s great get-up-and-dance bands.

For more information on the Colorado Neurological Institute: email info@thecni.org. 303-788-4010.

Sitting on top of the world in Denver.

High above the city, on the 38th floor Pinnacle Club, the Colorado Neurological Institute gathered to honor five unforgettable individuals. Each had suffered life changing disabilities yet with strength and their insurmountable resilience each arrived that night with dignity to receive a Hope Award.

The annual Cindy Acree Hope Awards celebrates CNI patients who have shown great courage in the face of a neurological condition. Established in 1999, the event is named in honor of Ms. Acree, who underwent brain surgery for epilepsy, suffered a stroke and then exhibited tenacity and courage throughout her recovery.  Ms. Acree is a former Colorado state representative, past chairman of the CNI Board of Directors and a major contributor to CNI’s volunteer successes.

The five stars of the evening were Kimberlee Nanda, Michael Williams, Mary Dobson, Ernie Hempel and Claire Torres. Inhaling the beautiful view the stars felt as if they were sitting on a mountain because each had climbed a mountain and made it to the top. From brain cancer to a stroke, multiple sclerosis and, a cochlear implant each award was a celebration for overcoming life threatening and life changing obstacles.

The evening was a true celebration for individuals and care givers to shine. It takes a village to see many through rough times. That’s why the Colorado Neurological Institute is alive and well.

The organization has one word to define them.

hope (hop) n. The emotional state which promotes the belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one’s life.

CNI is a non-profit neuroscience organization providing research, patient services and education for persons with neurological conditions and their caregivers since 1988. For more information go to their website: www.thecni.org.

The sky was the limit for the 25th Anniversary of the Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI)  celebrating more than two decades of service at it’s annual Gala held at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, Saturday, October 12.

CNI Executive Director Tami Lack greeted guests while staff and board members mingled with supporters dressed in 1940s attire including military uniforms, zoot suits, fedora and porkpie hats and even a WWII-era nurse uniform sported by society columnist Glory Weisberg. A silent auction and cocktails kept the enormous hangar/event center buzzing with activity in the shadow various aircraft including WWII aircraft. Emcee Amelia Earhart of 9News introduced the crowd to this year’s event theme “Come Fly with CNI” and recognized sponsors, donors and long-time supporters who have kept CNI at the forefront of research, patient care and medical education. Honorary Event Chairs Dr. Peter Ricci and Mrs. Florence Ricci took to the podium to thank supporters and to recognize the efforts of CNI founder neurosurgeon Dr. Gary VanderArk as well as the staff, board and various community sponsors, partners and donors.

The 450 guests listened to the Riccis describe the history of the organization, various economic challenges and noteworthy successes throughout the years. They emphasized that CNI’s formal mission of providing personalized, comprehensive, state-of-the-art care to patients with neurological conditions remains the same. A special anniversary video filmed by Annie Eastman featured CNI’s founders, staff and various programs and medical specialties.

Dr. Ricci lit the CNI’s 25th anniversary cake candles with honors going to Dr. Gary VanderArk who blew out the candles followed by applause and celebratory whistles. In keeping with the 1940s theme the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra provided favorite Big Band tunes with solo performances by Suzanne Morrison and Doug Barta. Multi-colored lighting flooded the dance floor with guests in vintage clothing enjoying hits made popular by Sinatra, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey.

Founded in 1988, the Colorado Neurological Institute was formed by the merger of Swedish Medical Center, Craig Hospital and Spalding Rehab Center with founding leadership provided by Dr. VanderArk who worked at Swedish Medical Center in the 1970s and 1980s. Special thanks go to the 25th anniversary event committee comprised of Penny Christie, LaRae Dodson, Joey Fanale, Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons, Debbie Frei, Julie “Iggy” Ignaszewski, Pat Lee, Lisa Loy, Barbara Parks, Deb Quintana, Shauna Runchey, Dr. Gary and Phyllis VanderArk, Terry Vitale, Mikki Wilder and many volunteers.

For more information, please visit www.thecni.org.