April 15, 2018 was the worst day of our lives.

After having 2 healthy boys, we had only limited experience with Children’s Hospital Colorado. When our oldest son, Grant needed stitches after a fall, Children's Colorado Urgent Care gave him an ipad full of his favorite shows and offered him a popsicle to make him feel more comfortable. This was our first realization that this place was different.

Almost two years post stitches and popsicle, we brought home our youngest son, Griffin. At just 8-days old, Griffin, stopped breathing at home. Somehow, by the grace of God, we found him early enough to successfully bring him back through CPR just as the fire department and paramedics were arriving at our home. In the days that followed, we received amazing care from Dr. Meyer in the emergency department. On day five, our dear pediatric pulmonologist, Dr. Tina Papantonakis, sat us down and told us that they had done every test that they could do within that building but still didn't have the answers. Griffin needed a sleep study and would be flown via helicopter to Children's Hospital Colorado, Anschutz Campus, in Aurora. Less than an hour later, we watched as our little guy was loaded onto a helicopter and taken away. With tears streaming down our faces, we loaded our bags into our car and started the drive north with no idea of how long we would be there.

Griffin was a patient in the NICU at Children's Hospital for the following 18 days. His first night, he had a sleep study under the direction of Dr. Stephen Hawkins. He made strides, had setbacks and everything in between. As his parents, we experienced a rollercoaster of fear, despair, joy and hope - the only consistent feeling that we had during our time at Children's Hospital Colorado was knowing that we were at the right place with best care team and experts.

Today, we are the lucky ones. Griffin is a thriving toddler. He is currently under a watchful eye of our dear pediatrician, Dr. Bagnall and neurosurgeon, Dr. Todd Hankinson and is doing remarkable!

In 2019, Children's Hospital Colorado in Colorado Springs was completed and opened. Families like ours no longer need to drive (or fly) to Aurora to receive world class pediatric care.

Now in 2020, more than ever, I see so much value in having a top ranked children’s hospital right here in Colorado Springs. We are proud donors! Please join us and make a gift today to keep kids safe and healthy. Thank you!