I am supporting the Courage Classic and Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) for patients like my son Jeremy and my dear friend Martha. I will be riding with their picture on my back and in their name on July 20th and 21st.
Jeremy is a survivor. Born with Turner's Syndrome, he's been followed closely by CHCO (Endocrinology, ENT, and Cardiology) since birth. Beginning in 6th grade Jeremy began to slowly develop an aneurysm in his heart. He lived 6 years on physical restrictions, medicine therapy and close monitoring. Jeremy maintained a positive outlook knowing he was one of the fortunate ones, who's heart could be mended one day. On June 6, 2019 - Jeremy underwent open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve with his pulmonary valve, rebuilt his ascending aorta damaged by an aneurism, and replaced his pulmonary valve with a human (cadaver) valve -the latter meaning he won't need anticoagulant therapy the rest of his life. It was tremendously successful. Jeremy blew the CICU team away with his dramatic progress, never once complained, whined, cried or expressed anger/frustration. Four days after open heart surgery he walked out of the hospital.
Jeremy's current STRONG state of his heart and his future have been assured by CHCO Cardiology professionals. In May he graduated from Fairview high school in Boulder and is looking toward a bright future at the University of Arizona studying Music Education and marching for the Arizona Wildcats. Jeremy's lifelong love of music marches on. Thank you Children's Hospital. ADDITIONALLY, Jeremy is being honored by his cardio-thoracic surgeon James Jaggers in this Courage Classic. Dr. Jaggers will be riding in Jeremy's name as well! WOW!
To support Jeremy and the Cardiology Department please click on the DONATE NOW button on this page.
Martha is a survivor. At the age of 13 in August, 2015, she was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. By Spring, 2016 she had fiercely fought this beast into submission with devoted, unending care from CHCO Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. She impressed everyone with her positive outlook and determination to stay on her bike and ride for her High School mountain bike team throughout treatment. Unfortunately in August, 2017 Martha relapsed and her 2nd fight began. She immediately had surgery to remove one of two tumors in her lungs. She fought like a warrior harnessed with the supreme professional care of CHCO. At the end of her 2nd fight Martha was dealing with collapsed lung (pnemothorax) which continues to recur, but her keen awareness helps keep it at bay for the morst part. By the summer of 2018, she again had "no evidence of disease." Though on a maintenance drug the beast returned a third time in May of this year, 2019. Her fight begins again and CHCO is right by her side fighting with her. Martha is riding the Courage Classic for the 4th year in a row, UNBELIEVABLE. Martha needs all the positive thoughts sent her way possible, she is a fierce warrior and she will prevail over this wretched beast!
To support Martha and the Cancer Center of TCH please cut and paste this address in your browser: http://support.childrenscoloradofoundation.org/site/TR/CourageClassic/General?px=1222050&pg=personal&fr_id=1600
