Markus Lost His Leg and Gained Courage He Never Knew continued time, and he passed the time by finding new ways to make his nurses laugh. After four days in the hospital, he was discharged on his 13th birthday.
Newfound Strength Markus continues to come to Children’s Colorado for regular check-ups. During his many appointments, Markus loves meeting other cancer patients. He even formed an unofficial support group of fellow osteosarcoma patients, fondly nicknamed the “Osteo Club” by his nurses. “Markus was transformed by this experience,” said Angel. “He became so strong, and he started helping other patients. It was amazing to see.” Today, Markus’ caregivers often ask him to speak to newly diagnosed patients who are feeling helpless and afraid. Markus hopes to give other kids the same kind of courage he found at Children’s Colorado.
Everyday Courage
Donors Make a Difference
During his many rounds of chemotherapy, Markus would get extremely nauseous. It got so bad that even walking into Children’s Colorado would trigger his nausea. Then Markus’ family discovered Child Life, a program dedicated to reducing patient anxiety and helping kids to cope during their time at the hospital. To distract Markus during his infusions, child life specialists provided him with virtual reality glasses. Whether he was flying an airplane or hiking through the jungle, the glasses transported Markus to a different world, far beyond the walls of the hospital. “It made a world of difference for him,” said Markus’ mom. Thanks to donor support, Children’s Colorado is able to provide these services free of charge, so kids feel at ease during difficult procedures.
“I love talking to other kids who are contemplating the same surgery I had,” Markus said. “Hopefully they can see me, and it won’t be quite as scary.” Once fearful, Markus is now stronger than ever. Markus will soon be fitted for his prosthetic leg, which will enable him to walk without a walker. With practice and
physical therapy, he hopes to soon be able to play flag football with his friends again. “It takes a lot of courage to keep on going, especially when you’re sick and don’t feel well,” said Markus. “I always told myself that ahead of chemo, ahead of surgery, ahead of all this, I will be able to live as close to a normal life as possible.”
News from Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Markus Lost His Leg and Gained Courage He Never Knew It took one phone call to change Angel and Mark’s lives forever. The days leading up to that phone call had been excruciating for the family. Their son, Markus, was experiencing persistent pain in his leg, and an MRI had revealed a suspicious mass. Markus and his parents had spent four fear-filled days awaiting the results of a biopsy performed at another hospital. When the call finally came the evening of April 21, 2017, nothing could prepare the family for the devastating diagnosis. Markus had osteosarcoma, a rare and potentially fatal form of bone cancer.
IN THIS ISSUE Markus Gains Courage He Never Knew................. 1,4 In His Own Words: Garrison’s Story................... 2 Donor Support and Creative Arts Therapy.......... 3 Kids Helping Kids................. 4
“We stayed up for hours crying that night,” said Angel. “Markus was terrified. He kept asking if he was going to die.”
From Fear to Hope After evaluating their options, Angel decided to bring Markus to Children’s Hospital Colorado. As caregivers explained his diagnosis and treatment options, the family’s fear began to turn to hope. The Children’s Colorado team assured the family they had options, and together, they were going to do everything they could to help Markus beat cancer.
Kids Helping Kids We’re so proud of these kids who give their time and energy to make others’ lives better.
Not only would Markus have to undergo months of chemotherapy, but to fully remove the cancer, doctors would have to amputate his leg above the knee.
Thank you to our friend Adelyn for donating $10,000 to the Children’s Hospital Colorado Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She has been supporting children in the NICU for the past five years through her nonprofit, Art by Adelyn, and recently raised more than $2,000 through Crowdfunding for Children’s Colorado to provide hats for preemies.
After talking to other cancer patients who had been down the same path, Markus decided to undergo a groundbreaking surgery known as a Van Nes Rotationplasty. This novel procedure removes the leg above the knee, and then reattaches the amputated foot where the knee used to be. The ankle can then function as a knee joint, which allows patients to retain more mobility.
Visit CrowdfundingForChildrens.org to learn how you can raise money for Children’s Colorado. Earlier this year, Manitou Springs Elementary raised $2,200 with the Change for Children’s program. In addition to collecting spare change, they added fun fundraisers, including a craft sale and jump rope contest. The money raised by the school will support the region’s new pediatric hospital.
In order to remove the cancer, doctors had to amputate Markus’ leg at the knee. Markus will soon be fitted for a prosthetic leg.
Thanks to the kids who participated or cheered at this year’s Courage Classic Bicycle Tour. We love your support!
CONNECT WITH US: Anschutz Medical Campus 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 045, Aurora, CO 80045 www.ChildrensColoradoFoundation.org/helpkids
Fall 2018
Markus with one of his pediatric oncologists, Dr. Tim Garrington.
With a world-renowned team of pediatric medical experts, Children’s Colorado has performed more than 100 of these complicated surgeries with great success. Children’s Colorado also conducts research to identify ways to maximize function and mobility for these young patients and improve their post-amputation quality of life.
Amputation Day Markus’ surgery took place on July 31, 2017. Angel recalls sitting in the waiting room with her son just before they took him into the operating room. “I remember he was running up and down the hallway as fast as he could,” Angel said. “It was heartbreaking to watch because I knew it was the last time I would see him run on his own two legs.” Although painful, the procedure was a success. Markus’ recovery was one of the most difficult parts of his journey, but he also remembers this time fondly. He was thrilled to wiggle his toes for the first
continued on page 4
In His Own Words: Garrison’s Story
Donor Support Provides Healing Creative Arts Therapy
13 Years Post-Amputation, Cancer Survivor Exudes Courage
How do you help a young patient who has trouble expressing their thoughts and feelings in traditional therapy?
Whether he's battling cancer or training for track and field tryouts, Garrison Hayes has never
That’s what the staff at Children’s Hospital Colorado struggled with when a 16-year-old girl was admitted for an eating disorder.
been one to give up easily – even in the face of tremendous adversity. Now he's giving other kids
After hours in therapy sessions where she couldn’t find the words to communicate what she was feeling, her caregivers suggested that she might try art therapy to help process her emotions.
with cancer courage to never give up.
In 2008, I served as the Colorado Champion Child for Children’s Miracle Network, and in 2013, I served as an Ambassador for Children's Hospital Colorado. I continue to visit Children’s Colorado regularly and meet with other kids like me who are facing the emotional and physical battles with cancer. I offer my perspective and encouragement, and help kids considering the Van Nes procedure know what to expect. Kids like Markus. Markus has had a similar journey to mine at Children’s Colorado. He also had the Van Nes procedure. We became quick friends and I am so happy that he is now an Ambassador for Children’s Colorado, also using his experiences to help kids find hope for life after cancer and amputation. With the right medical care and emotional support, a fulfilling life is possible despite any disability or difficulty. After becoming cancer free, I started alpine
Limited Time:
2
op nh
For me, the procedure meant a way to continue pursuing being an athlete – one of my biggest passions in life. Through innovation and expert care at Children’s Colorado, I’ve been cancer free since 2005. But I never truly left Children’s Colorado.
With the help of her creative arts therapist, through drawing and painting, she was finally able to let go of her inhibitions and put some of her anxiety, frustrations and sadness into her art. It was the first time she had smiled in weeks. Every day, the Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program at Children’s Colorado helps with breakthroughs just like this one. The program was established in 2005 when Craig Ponzio made a generous donation to bring the healing power of the arts to patients.
so rri Ga
In February 2005, at the age of six, I began experiencing tenderness in my left knee. With no clear sign of trauma, my pediatrician ordered an X-ray that revealed a growth on my knee. I had Osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor and was sent immediately to Children’s Colorado. After months of tests and chemotherapy, I made the difficult decision to have the Van Nes procedure. Part of my leg was amputated in order to give me the best chance of survival.
es
to joi n
the tra ck
and field t eam at Colorado St
y. sit r e niv ate U
skiing with the Children’s ARCH program. I’ve now been doing this for more than a decade. Track and field have become my focus and I work really hard to be the best para-athlete I can be. I want to prove to myself and others that para-athletes can do difficult things. I also love to challenge myself with mountain bike racing and cycling. I currently live in Hawaii on a two-year mission trip. When I return, I will attend Colorado State University (CSU) on full scholarship through The Daniels Scholarship Program where I will pursue a dual major in biomedical and mechanical engineering. I plan to become a Prosthetist so I can help other individuals with amputation or musculoskeletal disabilities. Also while at CSU, I will work hard to become a member of the CSU Track & Field team.
Tax Credit Available to Support Lifesaving Initiatives at Children’s Colorado
Children’s Hospital Colorado is at the forefront of some of the most promising pediatric research of our time, and your support is critical to funding this research. When you invest in research, you ensure we can continue to pioneer new breakthroughs that impact the lives of children in Colorado and around the world. Our current research efforts range from improving treatments for diseases like leukemia, cystic fibrosis and diabetes, to developing a new artificial heart pump for kids born with only one ventricle. With your donation of $250 or more this year, to support pediatric research, the State of Colorado allows you to take a 25% tax credit on your state income taxes as part of the Enterprise Zone program.
By giving kids an outlet for creative expression, creative arts therapy can help kids get better, faster.
Thanks to continued support from donors like you, Children’s Colorado now has several specially trained creative arts therapists, three dedicated studio spaces and two exhibition galleries. Creative arts therapy services are provided free of charge for patients because of philanthropy. Creative arts therapy uses the arts to help children express, create and heal in an open and supportive environment. Art, music, dance, movement and yoga become tools for communication, emotional release and ultimately, healing. The program helps children identify and transform emotional and psychological difficulties. No other children’s hospital in the country offers the breadth of expertise in clinically creative interventions. The Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program can benefit any child, at any age, with any diagnosis or physical ability.
Caleb, age 6
Through your donations and community support – including the Courage Classic Bicycle Tour team, the Ponzio Pedalers – Children’s Colorado is able to offer this unique program to our patients free of charge.
Your gift designated to one of these other key programs may also qualify for the Enterprise Zone tax credit: • Prevention and Wellness Fund • Innovation Fund • Recruiting and Retention Fund Each year, Children’s Colorado can only accept a certain number of Enterprise Zone-eligible donations through Dec. 31. If you are interested in making a gift to support the Enterprise Zone, please call us today at 720-777-1700 or indicate your designation on the reply form enclosed with this newsletter. Thank you for your generosity.
3
In His Own Words: Garrison’s Story
Donor Support Provides Healing Creative Arts Therapy
13 Years Post-Amputation, Cancer Survivor Exudes Courage
How do you help a young patient who has trouble expressing their thoughts and feelings in traditional therapy?
Whether he's battling cancer or training for track and field tryouts, Garrison Hayes has never
That’s what the staff at Children’s Hospital Colorado struggled with when a 16-year-old girl was admitted for an eating disorder.
been one to give up easily – even in the face of tremendous adversity. Now he's giving other kids
After hours in therapy sessions where she couldn’t find the words to communicate what she was feeling, her caregivers suggested that she might try art therapy to help process her emotions.
with cancer courage to never give up.
In 2008, I served as the Colorado Champion Child for Children’s Miracle Network, and in 2013, I served as an Ambassador for Children's Hospital Colorado. I continue to visit Children’s Colorado regularly and meet with other kids like me who are facing the emotional and physical battles with cancer. I offer my perspective and encouragement, and help kids considering the Van Nes procedure know what to expect. Kids like Markus. Markus has had a similar journey to mine at Children’s Colorado. He also had the Van Nes procedure. We became quick friends and I am so happy that he is now an Ambassador for Children’s Colorado, also using his experiences to help kids find hope for life after cancer and amputation. With the right medical care and emotional support, a fulfilling life is possible despite any disability or difficulty. After becoming cancer free, I started alpine
Limited Time:
2
op nh
For me, the procedure meant a way to continue pursuing being an athlete – one of my biggest passions in life. Through innovation and expert care at Children’s Colorado, I’ve been cancer free since 2005. But I never truly left Children’s Colorado.
With the help of her creative arts therapist, through drawing and painting, she was finally able to let go of her inhibitions and put some of her anxiety, frustrations and sadness into her art. It was the first time she had smiled in weeks. Every day, the Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program at Children’s Colorado helps with breakthroughs just like this one. The program was established in 2005 when Craig Ponzio made a generous donation to bring the healing power of the arts to patients.
so rri Ga
In February 2005, at the age of six, I began experiencing tenderness in my left knee. With no clear sign of trauma, my pediatrician ordered an X-ray that revealed a growth on my knee. I had Osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor and was sent immediately to Children’s Colorado. After months of tests and chemotherapy, I made the difficult decision to have the Van Nes procedure. Part of my leg was amputated in order to give me the best chance of survival.
es
to joi n
the tra ck
and field t eam at Colorado St
y. sit r e niv ate U
skiing with the Children’s ARCH program. I’ve now been doing this for more than a decade. Track and field have become my focus and I work really hard to be the best para-athlete I can be. I want to prove to myself and others that para-athletes can do difficult things. I also love to challenge myself with mountain bike racing and cycling. I currently live in Hawaii on a two-year mission trip. When I return, I will attend Colorado State University (CSU) on full scholarship through The Daniels Scholarship Program where I will pursue a dual major in biomedical and mechanical engineering. I plan to become a Prosthetist so I can help other individuals with amputation or musculoskeletal disabilities. Also while at CSU, I will work hard to become a member of the CSU Track & Field team.
Tax Credit Available to Support Lifesaving Initiatives at Children’s Colorado
Children’s Hospital Colorado is at the forefront of some of the most promising pediatric research of our time, and your support is critical to funding this research. When you invest in research, you ensure we can continue to pioneer new breakthroughs that impact the lives of children in Colorado and around the world. Our current research efforts range from improving treatments for diseases like leukemia, cystic fibrosis and diabetes, to developing a new artificial heart pump for kids born with only one ventricle. With your donation of $250 or more this year, to support pediatric research, the State of Colorado allows you to take a 25% tax credit on your state income taxes as part of the Enterprise Zone program.
By giving kids an outlet for creative expression, creative arts therapy can help kids get better, faster.
Thanks to continued support from donors like you, Children’s Colorado now has several specially trained creative arts therapists, three dedicated studio spaces and two exhibition galleries. Creative arts therapy services are provided free of charge for patients because of philanthropy. Creative arts therapy uses the arts to help children express, create and heal in an open and supportive environment. Art, music, dance, movement and yoga become tools for communication, emotional release and ultimately, healing. The program helps children identify and transform emotional and psychological difficulties. No other children’s hospital in the country offers the breadth of expertise in clinically creative interventions. The Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program can benefit any child, at any age, with any diagnosis or physical ability.
Caleb, age 6
Through your donations and community support – including the Courage Classic Bicycle Tour team, the Ponzio Pedalers – Children’s Colorado is able to offer this unique program to our patients free of charge.
Your gift designated to one of these other key programs may also qualify for the Enterprise Zone tax credit: • Prevention and Wellness Fund • Innovation Fund • Recruiting and Retention Fund Each year, Children’s Colorado can only accept a certain number of Enterprise Zone-eligible donations through Dec. 31. If you are interested in making a gift to support the Enterprise Zone, please call us today at 720-777-1700 or indicate your designation on the reply form enclosed with this newsletter. Thank you for your generosity.
3
Markus Lost His Leg and Gained Courage He Never Knew continued time, and he passed the time by finding new ways to make his nurses laugh. After four days in the hospital, he was discharged on his 13th birthday.
Newfound Strength Markus continues to come to Children’s Colorado for regular check-ups. During his many appointments, Markus loves meeting other cancer patients. He even formed an unofficial support group of fellow osteosarcoma patients, fondly nicknamed the “Osteo Club” by his nurses. “Markus was transformed by this experience,” said Angel. “He became so strong, and he started helping other patients. It was amazing to see.” Today, Markus’ caregivers often ask him to speak to newly diagnosed patients who are feeling helpless and afraid. Markus hopes to give other kids the same kind of courage he found at Children’s Colorado.
Everyday Courage
Donors Make a Difference
During his many rounds of chemotherapy, Markus would get extremely nauseous. It got so bad that even walking into Children’s Colorado would trigger his nausea. Then Markus’ family discovered Child Life, a program dedicated to reducing patient anxiety and helping kids to cope during their time at the hospital. To distract Markus during his infusions, child life specialists provided him with virtual reality glasses. Whether he was flying an airplane or hiking through the jungle, the glasses transported Markus to a different world, far beyond the walls of the hospital. “It made a world of difference for him,” said Markus’ mom. Thanks to donor support, Children’s Colorado is able to provide these services free of charge, so kids feel at ease during difficult procedures.
“I love talking to other kids who are contemplating the same surgery I had,” Markus said. “Hopefully they can see me, and it won’t be quite as scary.” Once fearful, Markus is now stronger than ever. Markus will soon be fitted for his prosthetic leg, which will enable him to walk without a walker. With practice and
physical therapy, he hopes to soon be able to play flag football with his friends again. “It takes a lot of courage to keep on going, especially when you’re sick and don’t feel well,” said Markus. “I always told myself that ahead of chemo, ahead of surgery, ahead of all this, I will be able to live as close to a normal life as possible.”
News from Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Markus Lost His Leg and Gained Courage He Never Knew It took one phone call to change Angel and Mark’s lives forever. The days leading up to that phone call had been excruciating for the family. Their son, Markus, was experiencing persistent pain in his leg, and an MRI had revealed a suspicious mass. Markus and his parents had spent four fear-filled days awaiting the results of a biopsy performed at another hospital. When the call finally came the evening of April 21, 2017, nothing could prepare the family for the devastating diagnosis. Markus had osteosarcoma, a rare and potentially fatal form of bone cancer.
IN THIS ISSUE Markus Gains Courage He Never Knew................. 1,4 In His Own Words: Garrison’s Story................... 2 Donor Support and Creative Arts Therapy.......... 3 Kids Helping Kids................. 4
“We stayed up for hours crying that night,” said Angel. “Markus was terrified. He kept asking if he was going to die.”
From Fear to Hope After evaluating their options, Angel decided to bring Markus to Children’s Hospital Colorado. As caregivers explained his diagnosis and treatment options, the family’s fear began to turn to hope. The Children’s Colorado team assured the family they had options, and together, they were going to do everything they could to help Markus beat cancer.
Kids Helping Kids We’re so proud of these kids who give their time and energy to make others’ lives better.
Not only would Markus have to undergo months of chemotherapy, but to fully remove the cancer, doctors would have to amputate his leg above the knee.
Thank you to our friend Adelyn for donating $10,000 to the Children’s Hospital Colorado Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She has been supporting children in the NICU for the past five years through her nonprofit, Art by Adelyn, and recently raised more than $2,000 through Crowdfunding for Children’s Colorado to provide hats for preemies.
After talking to other cancer patients who had been down the same path, Markus decided to undergo a groundbreaking surgery known as a Van Nes Rotationplasty. This novel procedure removes the leg above the knee, and then reattaches the amputated foot where the knee used to be. The ankle can then function as a knee joint, which allows patients to retain more mobility.
Visit CrowdfundingForChildrens.org to learn how you can raise money for Children’s Colorado. Earlier this year, Manitou Springs Elementary raised $2,200 with the Change for Children’s program. In addition to collecting spare change, they added fun fundraisers, including a craft sale and jump rope contest. The money raised by the school will support the region’s new pediatric hospital.
In order to remove the cancer, doctors had to amputate Markus’ leg at the knee. Markus will soon be fitted for a prosthetic leg.
Thanks to the kids who participated or cheered at this year’s Courage Classic Bicycle Tour. We love your support!
CONNECT WITH US: Anschutz Medical Campus 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 045, Aurora, CO 80045 www.ChildrensColoradoFoundation.org/helpkids
Fall 2018
Markus with one of his pediatric oncologists, Dr. Tim Garrington.
With a world-renowned team of pediatric medical experts, Children’s Colorado has performed more than 100 of these complicated surgeries with great success. Children’s Colorado also conducts research to identify ways to maximize function and mobility for these young patients and improve their post-amputation quality of life.
Amputation Day Markus’ surgery took place on July 31, 2017. Angel recalls sitting in the waiting room with her son just before they took him into the operating room. “I remember he was running up and down the hallway as fast as he could,” Angel said. “It was heartbreaking to watch because I knew it was the last time I would see him run on his own two legs.” Although painful, the procedure was a success. Markus’ recovery was one of the most difficult parts of his journey, but he also remembers this time fondly. He was thrilled to wiggle his toes for the first
continued on page 4