A message from the desk of President & CEO Jandel Allen-Davis, MD
As we look back on another year, I’m filled with gratitude for the commitment and support of our entire hospital community—our amazing staff, volunteers, donors, patients, families, grads and supporters. This annual report offers a glimpse into the remarkable journeys that take place within—and beyond—our walls; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of our patients, families and the Craig Hospital community.
Every day, we are honored to witness incredible transformation as individuals regain their independence and reclaim their lives after spinal cord and brain injury. Each milestone is celebrated in the countless stories of hope and healing that happen at Craig.
In our pursuit of excellence, we remain steadfastly focused on key outcomes on behalf of our staff and patients: capability, comfort and calm. These principles guide our actions and decisions as we strive to deliver care and support to our patients and their families. Our intent is to serve as a strong and unwavering voice for those we are privileged to care for, advocating tirelessly on their behalf and ensuring their needs are met with expertise and empathy.
In 2024, our team’s work to foster a people-first culture of compassion and connection was celebrated once again with the Top Workplaces USA and Denver
Post Top Workplaces awards! For the 35th year in a row, Craig was also recognized as a Top Hospital for Rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report, and our nursing team’s clinical expertise was acknowledged with our eighth National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) Award for Outstanding Nursing Quality®.
Undoubtedly, the past year has presented its share of challenges, particularly within the ever-evolving landscape of health care. The lasting impacts of the pandemic and economic uncertainty have reverberated throughout hospitals across the country, yet we remain resolute in our commitment to maintaining our independence, autonomy and not-for-profit status. These values are at the core of our identity and will continue to guide us as we navigate the road ahead.
I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our donors, whose generosity plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission and enhancing the services we provide. Despite the new landscapes we face, commitment to our mission has not waned, and for that, we are truly grateful.
Looking ahead, we are excited to see the acceleration of our campus expansion and strategic plan activities, which will be in full swing in the coming years. This significant milestone represents a new chapter in our journey and will uphold our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community.
At Craig, I have the privilege and responsibility to think about the present and the future—and yet I still find such solace, peace and joy when I get out of my car and come to serve this wonderful place and those who work hard to make it wonderful. Thank you to those of you who read this; know that I am channeling you when I express that gratitude.
Thank you for your ongoing support and trust in us. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, and we look forward to another year of growth, hope and healing.
Onward,
Jandel Allen-Davis, MD President and CEO, Craig Hospital
SNAPSHOT
SNAPSHOT
In FY 2024, inpatients and outpatients traveled to Craig from states days The average length of stay is
INPATIENTS* OUTPATIENTS
*Inpatients discharged in FY 2024
DEMOGRAPHICS
DIAGNOSES WE TREAT
SPINAL CORD INJURY
TETRAPLEGIA 60%
83% of patients were discharged to home
OUTCOMES
98.7% increase on average in patient mobility from admission to discharge
80.7% increase in patient ability to perform selfcare after discharge
PATIENT SATISFACTION
95.2 /100
Average score of inpatients and families who would recommend Craig to others
2.6 hours per day of attendant care for patients with a spinal cord injury on average one year after injury
94.9 /100
Average score of inpatients’ and families’ overall rating of care received
Safety Outcomes: Craig has continued to fall well below the National Healthcare Safety Network goal of a standardized infection ratio of <1 in two of three hospital reportable conditions (C. diff and central line-associated bloodstream infection) and to achieve rates below the benchmark for MRSA bacteremia. Craig’s fall rates are continually better than the benchmark, as measured by the hospital’s patient safety organization, EQUADR Patient Safety Organization and the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI).
EMBRACING THE HAPPY THINGS IN LIFE EMBRACING THE HAPPY THINGS IN LIFE
Ever since Annie Miller was a freshman in high school, her dream has been to play the lead role in the school musical. And in the spring of 2023, as a senior, Annie fulfilled her dream by taking the stage in Muskogee High School’s production “Emma: A Pop Musical”—almost one year after sustaining a spinal cord injury during a ski trip to Colorado.
Landing at Craig Hospital
It was March 2022 when Annie and her father, Mike, traveled from their home in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to enjoy a church ski trip in Crested Butte, Colorado.
But on her second day, Annie fell 30 feet from the chairlift, shattering her C7. She spent the next month in the ICU before transferring to Craig Hospital.
“We kept hearing that Craig was the best place to go for rehab, and when we arrived, we understood exactly why,” explains Holly, Annie’s mother. “Not only does Craig have amazing resources and expertise, but their goal is to get you back to your life. As soon as Annie arrived, it was clear that her entire care team had taken the time to learn about her and her injury. They were warm and loving, and even during that awful time, we were able to feel safe and comfortable.”
Annie adds, “I never wanted to be at Craig, and I didn’t want to be injured. But being at Craig was a great experience. I loved my care team. They helped me physically, as well as emotionally. Even in the hardest times, I could still smile there.”
Finding Support
Part of Annie’s positivity revolved around Craig’s Adolescent Program, which offered outings like trips to Target and scuba diving lessons. “These outings helped me feel like I could still get out and enjoy life,” Annie recalls. “And they were so important for me because I felt very trapped.”
Craig’s Adaptive Driving program also taught Annie how to get behind the wheel again, and the School Program allowed Annie to keep up with her schoolwork so she could return to high school for her senior year.
“Not only did Laura Magnuson (Craig School Program teacher and coordinator) keep in close contact with my high school, but she helped me get mentally prepared to return to school in a wheelchair and worked with me to get a 504 plan in place so I’d have accommodations at school,” Annie says.
She adds, “Together, we talked through the wheelchair routes to take while at school, the best ways to answer questions about my injury, and how to best advocate for myself. Laura supported me as I worked through my fears and came to realize that I could do it.”
The Gift of Music
Because music had always been a huge piece of Annie’s life, her care team made sure that music was also part of her recovery. “I love music; it’s my life,” Annie says. “So I knew that I needed to take part in music therapy while at Craig. Getting back to singing, as well as playing the piano and oboe, were my main goals.”
In order to start singing again, Annie began by working on breathing with Annamarie Engelhard—Craig’s music therapist—and her speech therapy team.
“Once I figured out my breathing and got my trach tube removed, I was able to get some notes out. It was very hard to sustain a note, so we worked for hours and hours on singing, and it got better every day.”
She adds, “I remember feeling hopeless in terms of playing the piano because I could no longer press the pedals and I was extremely weak. I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to play again, but Annamarie consistently encouraged me.”
Annie insists that music therapy, a donorsupported program, helped her keep a positive attitude and gave her hope. “Being able to focus on my music also gave me a safe space—even for just an hour. It helped me feel calm and allowed me to relax.”
“Before Annie’s injury, she would come home after a stressful day and play the piano for two to three hours. But when you play the piano, you use your feet. And when you sing, you use your breath, but Annie had lung injuries.
And when you play the oboe, having a hole in your neck, due to a trach tube, is not ideal,” Holly says. “We worried about how Annie would survive if all three were taken from her. That’s why music therapy became critical— especially to her mental health. Thanks to Annamarie’s help, Annie was still able to find joy in these activities.”
In addition to joy, Annie also found success when she was named the lead in the school musical, as well as making the All-State Choir, Band and Orchestra.
“I’m very proud of my accomplishments,” Annie explains. “I really wanted to prove that I could still do all the things I did before, as well as accomplishing brand-new goals, like making the All-State Orchestra.”
She adds, “There were times when I didn’t want to get back on stage because it reminded me of what I lost. But I was determined to continue doing what I loved. No matter what happens, you can still do anything you want to do. It’s the getting up and finding the happy in life that keeps you going.”
A New Chapter
Today, Annie is back in Oklahoma attending the University of Tulsa as a psychology and music major and living in the dorm. Her goal is to someday become a music therapist or a counselor for young adults.
“I have learned to just live in the moment,” she says. “And if a challenge comes my way in terms of accessibility, I can get through it. Craig has taught me that if you work hard, you are going to get somewhere. And there’s
no reason to let your injury slow you down in any way. Craig prepares you to deal with whatever comes next. While there are always going to be good and bad days, it’s extremely important to try and find even the smallest joy.”
Click or scan to watch Annie’s video.
New Sleep Testing Pilot Program for Craig Inpatients Promotes
Health Equity
The American Medical Association estimates that 30 million people in the U.S. have sleepdisruptive breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is significantly more common in individuals with spinal cord injury, especially those with tetraplegia, among whom an estimated 25% to 40% have the disorder. Individuals living with traumatic brain injury also experience sleep disturbance following injury at rates between 30% and 70%. Moreover, the condition is highly underdiagnosed, which can lead to even more significant medical conditions down the road, such as heart attack and stroke.
Individuals diagnosed with these disorders prior to an injury often see worsening of these conditions after a spinal cord or brain injury, most likely due to the dysfunction of throat muscles associated with brain injury, flaccid muscle tone, neuromuscular impairment, increased weight, or an impaired ability to cough and take deep breaths in patients with spinal cord injury. Polysomnography, also known as a sleep study, is a comprehensive test used to diagnose sleep disorders by recording brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, and eye and leg movements during sleep. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many polysomnography sleep labs closed or limited their services, including those that Craig relied on for our patients’ sleep testing, leaving many of our patients without the testing needed to fully heal.
To help meet this need, Craig began a pilot program to promote health equity by ensuring individuals with diverse health conditions received proper and targeted care. Access to accurate diagnostic tools helps address health disparities, ensuring that individuals, regardless of their condition, have the opportunity for timely and appropriate interventions to improve their sleep health and overall well-being.
Since October 2023, Craig’s respiratory therapy staff have implemented one of the only inpatient sleep testing programs for a rehabilitation setting in the country.
“Polysomnography studies are invaluable to our patient population,” says Justin Walter, Craig’s director of respiratory therapy. “Sleep testing offers access to equipment that enhances our patients’ sleep and ability to heal. We also find that our patients are better able to participate in therapy through the slow introduction to sleep interventions that we’re able to offer through this in-house program, ensuring more effective treatment outcomes.”
Craig plans to expand this program to outpatients in the future, as the majority of Craig’s respiratory therapy consults center around sleep-disordered breathing and many outpatient sleep study centers do not accept patients who need caregiver turns overnight, lifts for transfers and nocturnal medications.
“Growing and expanding this program will bring profound benefits to the communities we serve,” Justin says. “Our mission is to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals living with spinal cord and brain injury, and broadening access to this critical service is vital to the success of that objective.”
RETURNING TO LIFE: NICK AGUILERA FINDS
RETURNING TO LIFE: NICK AGUILERA FINDS
PASSION AND JOY
PASSION AND JOY
ONCE AGAIN
ONCE AGAIN
While Nick Aguilera was recovering from a brain injury at Craig Hospital in the summer of 2021, he received a small piece of artwork as a gift. “Be Gentle With Yourself” was written across the front.
To remember these four meaningful words each day, Nick hung the artwork on the wall of his room at Craig.
“It hung on my wall while I was at Craig, and now it’s hanging in my room at home,” Nick explains. “Craig really lives these words. Not only do they do an amazing job of helping you heal, but they also inspire you to work hard, find joy again and return to the things you love.”
Finding Craig
It was a love of biking and bicycle advocacy that brought Nick to Colorado. After completing his master’s degree in city
planning from the University of California, Berkeley, he moved to Boulder to start a job as a community partnerships manager with a local bike advocacy nonprofit in early 2021.
Six months later, Nick’s life changed in an instant. While he does not remember what happened on Friday, July 16, 2021, he recalls going on a gravel bike ride with a group of friends in Boulder. Several days later, he woke up in the ICU with a brain injury and damage to his ocular nerves.
“At the time, my sister, a former nurse, was attending medical school,” Nick says. “She researched rehab facilities and found Craig. Convinced it was the absolute best place to recover, she arranged for me to transfer there shortly after my accident.”
He adds, “Spending three months at Craig was a wonderful experience. I feel so grateful for my time there and for the comprehensive level
of care I received. In addition to regaining my balance and learning to walk and bike again, I spent a lot of time recovering mentally and emotionally, as well as trying to get my life back to where it used to be.”
Returning to Work
One of Nick’s main goals was returning to his career, so he began working with Hayley Medina, an occupational therapist in Craig’s Community Reintegration program— supported by Craig Foundation donors.
“Nick and I started by assessing his skills, talking about his goals and his concerns returning to work, and what he felt he needed in order to be ready to go back,” Hayley explains. “In addition to working with Nick, I also supported his employer and figured out what they needed to help Nick reintegrate back to his work role. It was important to make sure Nick felt confident and excited to return to work—even if it looked different than before his accident.”
Hayley also connected Nick with several organizations, such as the LoveYourBrain Foundation, which improves quality of life for people affected by traumatic brain injury; Craig’s Living Well with Brain Injury program, which empowers Craig grads and families with support, education and connections to help navigate life after brain injury; and Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, which provides individualized employment services for people with disabilities.
“Hayley made sure I was able to return to work in a healthy manner,” Nick recalls. “I had many meetings with my employer, Hayley and the Division of Vocational Rehab. It was incredibly helpful to know we were all on the same page when it came to meeting expectations and successfully getting back to work. It was so reassuring to know that Hayley was right by my side every step of the way. Knowing I was not alone during the healing process was extremely important.”
He adds, “Hayley consistently reminded me that work is not the only important thing in life. She encouraged me to connect with other passions I had, such as making pottery and screen prints, which was a great experience for me.”
Looking Ahead
While healing from a brain injury is a complex process with many different outcomes, Nick insists he has learned so much since his accident.
“Never be afraid to ask for help because people want to help,” he says. “Also know that you cannot predict the future. But we can take small steps and continue to heal, even if we do not know what the outcome will be. And sometimes, the outcome is better than you imagined. That is what happened to me. I had no idea I would be working again, biking around Boulder, involved in a healthy relationship, or making art. It is so important to stay positive, adapt, find the light in life, and be gentle with yourself.”
Click or scan to watch Nick’s video.
A LEGACY OF INDEPENDENCE AND MENTORSHIP CONTINUES THROUGH COLIN’S CLASS AT CRAIG INDEPENDENCE
Since it was first offered at Craig Hospital in 2016, Colin’s Class has been a mainstay for individuals newly diagnosed with tetraplegia—a spinal cord injury that affects all four limbs, also known as quadriplegia— as they prepare to leave Craig and return to their communities. The class, led by ’05 Craig grad and volunteer Colin Heffern, provided education from Colin’s wellspring of life experience as someone living with a highlevel spinal cord injury and an abundance of resilience and independence. When Colin passed away unexpectedly in January 2023, the Craig community acutely felt the absence that was left in his wake. Colin has been deeply missed by Craig staff and grads alike for his genuine friendship, sense of humor and contagious enthusiasm.
And without Colin leading his class, it quickly became clear that a significant part of peer mentorship at Craig was missing.
“We saw the uncertainty from patients about how life after discharge would be feasible after a high-level injury,” says Sarah Agnew, a physical therapist at Craig Hospital. “We missed the camaraderie that was fostered in Colin’s Class, which had created strong connections among inpatients with similar levels of injury. We knew the education that Colin shared was instrumental in the rehabilitation process and felt strongly that future patients and families would not be as well equipped for life after Craig without it.”
The need to continue Colin’s legacy and impact was clear; Craig staff worked to coordinate a group of grads and peer mentors who could offer their perspectives and insight on living independently with tetraplegia in honor of the class Colin led—under the same name and spirit where everything began: Colin’s Class.
A Life of Determination
Those who knew Colin well would describe him as fiercely independent and determined as well as compassionate and patient, the perfect fit for a mentor to newly injured individuals facing catastrophic injuries and uncertain futures.
“Colin genuinely loved people. He respected them on his same level. He worked hard and sought balance in his life. He was humble and did not seek to do grand things for which to be recognized, only to do meaningful things that he truly had something to contribute to,” Carol Fletcher, Colin’s sister, shares. “One of my favorite Colin quotes is, ‘I don’t feel sorry for myself, so why should anyone else?’”
In 2004, Colin was an active 19-year-old who enjoyed sports and the outdoors when he was injured in a fall during his freshman year of college at Colorado State University (CSU), sustaining an SCI that left him paralyzed below his shoulders. After his rehabilitation at Craig Hospital, he spent the next year recovering and then returned to CSU to earn his bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, serving as a resident assistant in his dorm and forming a strong community of friends.
“He didn’t let his disability define him. He had a hopeful spirit,” Ed Heffern, Colin’s father, shares.
Judy Heffern, Colin’s mother, adds, “He was a very present person. He made you feel that you were the most important person in the world.”
In his career as a landscape architect with the National Park Service for eight years, Colin traveled often and improved park accessibility across the country with his expertise. Outside of his work, he lived an active lifestyle with an attitude of determination and innovation to discover how he could do something, not if. He enjoyed reading, being outside and playing board games and had a very active social life. In addition to his volunteer work with Craig Hospital, he also volunteered with Jefferson County Open Space to help improve trail accessibility and provided training to therapy students and caregivers.
His sense of adventure propelled him to take risks and discover innovative ways of participating in the activities he wanted to try, like skydiving for his 21st birthday; snorkeling in Jamaica; camping with his family each year; studying for a semester at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia; sipand-puff sailing; and swim coaching. And just a week before his passing, he enjoyed trying out a new sip-and-puff sit-ski in Winter Park.
“Colin’s life after he was injured was characterized by a relentless drive to persevere and not let all obstacles become permanent barriers,” August Heffern, Colin’s brother, says. “He lived that day in and day out, and I think it motivated him to do much of what he was able to do after his injury.”
Continuing Colin’s Legacy of Independence
Colin’s determination and creativity educated and empowered many Craig patients and staff in exploring ways to address the challenges of living with a high-level spinal cord injury—it was hard to imagine a Craig without Colin’s Class.
“Continuing this class in Colin’s memory is so important because of the huge impact he had on so many patients. This class gave hope to a number of patients with higher levels of injuries,” says Joe Fangman, a Craig physical therapist who worked with Colin since the class’s inception. “His spirit and his kind nature made an immeasurable difference here at Craig.”
Over the past few years, the class has continued to be offered at Craig to those who are newly injured, and we have seen the spirit of Colin’s independence continue in the grads and staff who have taken up the calling to bring hope and confidence to newly injured individuals through Colin’s Class. We are so grateful to the people who have continued this endeavor and to Colin’s family for allowing us to share his story of generosity and hope.
GIVING BACK TO SUPPORT CRAIG HOSPITAL AND EMPOWER LIVES GIVING BACK TO EMPOWER LIVES
On October 7, 2024, about 100 golfers gathered at the Interlocken Golf Club in Broomfield, Colorado, to play in the 12th Annual Ron Don Ho Memorial Golf Classic. The tournament, which raised $13,000 for the Craig Hospital Foundation, honored Ron Woods, who passed away in 2014.
“There are reasons in life why certain events happen to people,” Chris Woods, Ron’s son, says. “Our family has been blessed, so it was
very important for us to give back.”
For the Woods family, giving back means hosting an annual golf tournament to support Craig Hospital. “It’s our way of saying thank you for everything Craig did to help our father during an extremely challenging time,” Chris shares.
Navigating a New Normal
In April 2012, Ron Woods arrived at Craig after sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI) while playing in the ocean with his family in Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. He spent six months healing at Craig.
“We were told that Ron would never walk or use his hands again,” Kathy, Ron’s widow, recalls. “But everyone at Craig treated him like a person who still had a lot to live for. The staff’s mission was to empower Ron to get back home and live his life.”
Ryan, Ron’s son, adds, “Not only did Dad’s doctors and nurses tirelessly attend to his needs, but all of his therapists showed him how to live again. From day one, Craig helped our family support him. They included us in every aspect of Dad’s care, outfitted him with a power wheelchair, and made suggestions for the numerous home modifications he would need in order to go home, which was his number one goal.”
After arriving home in Golden, Colorado, in the fall of 2012, Ron experienced many happy times with his family, thanks to continued support from Craig’s staff.
“There were definitely struggles, but there were also wonderful moments, such as cruising around in his wheelchair with grandkids on his lap, helping his granddaughter with school projects, and enjoying family Christmas celebrations,” Kathy says. “Without Craig, these priceless moments never would have happened.”
No Regrets
On January 9, 2014, Ron passed away from a pulmonary embolism.
“Shortly before he passed, he looked back on everything he endured after his accident and told us he had absolutely no regrets and would not change anything,” Chris says. “I believe that Craig brought my dad—and our entire family—to the point of having no regrets.”
Lisa Fuehrer, Ron’s daughter, adds, “In the midst of a life-changing tragedy, such as a spinal cord injury, it’s hard to imagine that you will ever experience joy again. After Dad’s accident, we knew our lives had changed forever and thought that meant the end of happy times. But Dad’s experience at Craig taught us that just because life looks different, it doesn’t mean the end of joy.
“My dad lived for 22 months after his accident—with support and education from the staff at Craig. They helped us find new ways to enjoy life together as a family and gave us the tools to help him experience the best possible quality of life.”
It was this positive experience coupled with the staggering cost of supporting an individual with an SCI—from medical costs and transportation to nursing care and home modifications—that inspired the Woods family to sponsor the Ron Don Ho Memorial Golf Classic every October.
“We wanted to pay it forward and help support some of the 12,500 individuals and families affected each year by SCIs, many of whom find themselves at Craig,” Chris says. “It’s very important to us, and it would be very important to my dad.”
OREGON Adventure TripOREGON
We took five Craig Hospital grads and their families on an adaptive mountain biking adventure out in beautiful Bend, Oregon! During the five-day trip, the group was fitted to mountain bikes; introduced to adaptive mountain biking, skills training, beginner trail rides and advanced trail rides; spent a day kayaking out on Paulina Lake; and hiked around the Big Obsidian Flow. Wow, how did we pack that all in?!
For many of our grads on the trip, this was their first time mountain biking or kayaking. Our Adventure Program is so important to providing opportunities for our patients to make and achieve personal goals they’ve set for themselves.
They make you feel empowered again.
At some point, everyone has a moment that a ‘can’t’ turns into a ‘can.’
Craig’s CORE Program Provides a Vital Road Map to Rehabilitation CORE Program
When patients first arrive at Craig Hospital after a spinal cord or brain injury, they are eager to understand what to expect during their inpatient stay. In addition, many patients and their families want to grasp the milestones they need to reach before discharge.
To answer these numerous questions, Craig has created a list of essential care elements— Craig Overview of Rehabilitation Elements (CORE)—to develop a true interdisciplinary approach to meeting patient-specific goals. “By using this rehabilitation goal-based model of care, we provide a central guide for shared language and goal alignment,” explains Dana Lubieniecki, strategic specialist at Craig. “This leads to successful experiences and inpatient discharge.”
Launched as a trial program on two inpatient teams in November 2022 and then across all inpatient teams in August 2023, CORE highlights 10 patient-centered care elements identified by staff and patients as critical to patient and family success at Craig.
These elements include:
• Medical Stability
• Plan for Discharge
• Caregiver/Family Training
• Self-care
• Functional Mobility
• Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being
• Communication and Learning
• Breathing and Swallowing
• Medications
• Bowel and Bladder Management
Each care element has an associated list of general care objectives or potential milestones
for patients, caregivers and families to reach. “The elements of CORE represent big-picture, common, and critical skill-based goals within our program,” Dana says. “These goals give patients, caregivers and families a toolbox to be successful in adapting to life after inpatient.”
The August 2023 rollout was considered an extended trial period to determine the best way to use CORE in the future. While CORE creates a consistent way to talk about Craig’s rehabilitation program, there is a lot of room for flexibility in how to use it with patients and among care teams.
For example, some teams are using CORE in rounds to describe what goals patients are working on, while others have created an interactive checklist for patient use. “We are
currently working toward all teams adopting a unified way of using CORE,” Dana explains.
In the case of the School Program, Laura Magnuson, Craig’s teacher and high school program coordinator, recently used CORE to ensure high school graduation for one student at Craig.
“Karlee was a high school senior in rural Colorado when she sustained a spinal cord and brain injury, due to COVID-19 complications,” Laura explains. “While she had already satisfied her core credits, she was in need of several elective credits to graduate on time with her class.”
Initially, the school district didn’t honor Karlee’s rehabilitation at Craig—until Laura used CORE to demonstrate the value and importance of therapy hours for elective credits.
“The visual representation of our rehabilitation through CORE convinced school leadership to see our work as a formalized program/ curriculum, which allowed Karlee to receive elective credits she earned for her rehab hours.”
Four days before graduation, the school formally accepted Karlee’s rehabilitation hours at Craig, and she graduated with her class. “This meant the world to Karlee, who plans to attend a community college with the hopes of becoming a veterinary technician,” Laura says. “Thanks to CORE, I can create a visual representation of everything we do here, which allows me to demonstrate the deep value of rehab at Craig. And I now send CORE to every school I work with.”
Learn more at craighospital.org/core
CRAIG’S SUPPORTED DISCHARGE PROGRAM HELPS PATIENTS RETURN HOME PATIENTS RETURN HOME
After spending three months at Craig Hospital—due to a spinal cord injury from a ladder fall in September 2023—Mark Ward was ready to get back home to Oklahoma City.
But going home felt overwhelming and daunting for 63-year-old Mark and his wife, Reba.
“While we were at Craig, our house was renovated to make it more accessible for Mark’s power wheelchair,” Reba, age 68, explains. “So, not only were we going back to a new space, but I also needed to figure out how to take care of Mark—without the support of Craig. It felt very scary and intimidating.”
Home Sweet Home
Thanks to Craig’s Supported Discharge program, the Wards did not have to go home alone.
In fact, Allison Gipple, a community transition specialist at Craig, spent the weeks leading up to Mark’s discharge getting to know the Wards on a personal level, as well as becoming familiar with Mark’s rehabilitation and mobility.
Allison then flew to Oklahoma City to meet the Wards at their house as they arrived home in a rented wheelchair-accessible van.
“I would have flown home with Mark and Reba, but they felt more comfortable driving instead of flying, so I met them in Oklahoma. I stayed near their home for the next 2 ½ days, supporting them as an educator and advisor and helping them put into practice what they learned at Craig,” Allison explains. “I worked with them to navigate equipment and transfers, as well as medications, bowel and bladder management, self-care, home health agency training, and public transportation.”
Reba adds, “It was a huge confidence boost to have Allison nearby so we were not alone as soon as we arrived home. She helped us manage all of Mark’s equipment, organize our supplies, establish a routine, answer our many questions, and reassure us as we settled into our new normal.”
Easing the Transition Home
During a patient’s stay at Craig, staff focus on preparing patients for life back at home. But returning home can still cause a great deal of stress and uncertainty.
Some patients are unable to return to their previous homes, due to accessibility issues, while others find it challenging to adjust to their home environment and complete activities of daily living (ADLs) without the large roll-in shower or overhead lift system they used at Craig. And other patients have family members stepping in as first-time caregivers who lack confidence and experience.
Recognizing the need to address this vital piece of the neurorehabilitation experience, Craig conducted a pilot program in 2017 that sent discharged patients home with an interdisciplinary team of skilled clinicians, made up of physical therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, case managers, speech therapists and others.
“We wanted to understand what challenges patients faced when transitioning home so we could address them quickly and efficiently,” says Candy Tefertiller, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, Craig’s Executive Director of Research and Evaluation.
The team took what they learned from the pilot and—with financial assistance from a Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado grant—grew the program into Supported Discharge in the spring of 2018.
Fast-forward seven years and the Supported Discharge program—now part of Therapeutic Recreation—is going strong.
The program recently surpassed 100 supported discharges in 93 U.S. cities. This included a pause due to COVID-19 from March 2020 to March 2021, as well as several pauses in late 2021 and early 2022, also due to COVID-19.
“We felt so grateful for the Supported Discharge program,” Reba says. “Not only did we return to a newly renovated home— still full of dust and sheetrock—but we had to figure out how to meet all of Mark’s needs, which felt overwhelming after being at Craig, where staff took care of everything. Allison’s help made us both feel less intimidated and anxious during a very stressful time.”
CRAIG IN THE CRAIG IN THE Community
In FY 2024, Craig Hospital’s community efforts remained focused on injury prevention through community education, access to care through conversation and collaboration with community providers, and advocacy opportunities with work in our communities.
In 2024, we held 78 unique conversations with community members and nonprofits on how Craig can be present and impactful in improving the lives of individuals living with a disability and addressing the health of our community.
Our Respiratory Care Department continues to offer monthly Friends and Family CPR classes at Craig, free of charge and open to staff and the general public. Craig Respiratory Care Director Justin Walter leads this program and also coordinates classes in the community for businesses that value this skill for their employees.
For the past few years, we have also worked closely with the Girl Scouts of Colorado to provide awareness and education for their scouts around disability and hospital careers. Craig Hospital developed and awarded the first ever Disability Awareness patch to deserving Girl Scouts in 2024 and hosted several great groups of scouts at the hospital. We believe we have an opportunity and
responsibility to increase disability awareness as we promote STEM education and lift these girls up as they explore career pathways.
Our advocacy work also focused around the community board work of many of our Craig leaders as well as once again participating in the Disability Rights Advocacy Day at the capitol in March, engaging in accessibility conversations with local businesses and Denver International Airport, and supporting legislative work to improve access for and the rights of disabled persons
Our community injury prevention work included visiting local schools to provide safety education and donating 100 bycicle helmets to students and low-income families
In September 2024, the Living Well with Brain Injury program held its sixth successful in-person LWBI event, providing access to resources, education, networking and overall community connection for individuals living with BI and their caregivers. We’re looking forward to the 2025 event and are excited for what is to come with the recent launch of the Living Well with SCI program!
Our staff’s commitment to volunteering in the community remains strong. Staff volunteered more than 400 hours in FY 2024 with a
number of community organizations and events, including Project Angel Heart, Project CURE, Girl Scouts of Colorado, brain injury camps, CrossPurpose, City of Englewood events, school wellness events, Shine Music Festival, and 9/11 Day, just to name a few.
Over the past several years, Craig Neurobehavioral Rehabilitation Program Manager Arielle Reindeau and her team have invited Littleton/EPIC Campus high school students to learn more about our innovative behavioral health program through special classes and a trip to Craig. As mental health challenges continue to be identified in our communities, Craig is stepping in to help provide education needed to prepare these students to sit for national certification. Once they graduate from high school, they are that much closer to being able to pursue a job in this area of focus.
The 2024 Guide the Giving program was again a big hit. The two nonprofit organizations chosen by our staff to receive a donation from Craig were Guided by Humanity and Shine Music Festival. Each nonprofit organization received a $2,500 donation from Craig Hospital.
Our FY 2024 Big Give donation drive resulted in 30 boxes of personal hygiene products,
warm clothing, tarps, sleeping bags and nonperishable food items being donated to HATT Force (Homeless Awareness and Action Task Force) and The Family Tree.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Craig employees donated warm clothing for those in our community who are unhoused, and this one-day donation request resulted in 25+ large bags and boxes of clothing. We distributed the clothing between the Severe Weather Shelter Networks and other community nonprofits helping to provide shelter, warmth and nourishment during the winter.
The needs remain great in our communities. Our efforts in 2024 focused on improving community health, helping our partners reengage, developing Craig’s community engagement policy, continuing efforts to advocate for accessibility and disabilityfocused legislation, assessing and addressing social determinants of health, and working alongside community organizations—all of which will help us define and advance the work in our communities for years to come.
We are proud of the time and effort Craig staff put into our community in 2024, and look forward to continuing this critical work in 2025 and beyond!
FY 2024 RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Craig’s top-tier Research Department continued to grow and evolve in 2024. We are expanding our rigorous focus on translational science that directly benefits the patients and families we serve at Craig, as well as disseminating our research efforts to the greater community of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and brain injury (BI). We are fortunate to be supported by federal funding, state funding and private foundation funding, as well as by the generous donors who give to the Craig Hospital Foundation. We continue to strengthen the collaboration between our clinical and research teams at Craig to help guide our research portfolio, while remaining focused on evaluating long-term outcomes and advancing innovative care across the rehabilitation continuum.
STAFF MEMBERS MILLION ANNUAL BUDGET
PUBLICATIONS, DISSEMINATION & INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Craig researchers and clinicians, collaborating with authors from other rehabilitation centers and academic institutions, published their findings in 42 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, such as Brain Injury, Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, and Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation among others. Craig staff contributed to national and international conferences through lectures, panels and keynote addresses, while providing leadership to organizations such as the American Spinal Injury Association and the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. The research team also strengthened collaborations with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the University of Colorado, and Colorado State University, resulting in multiple collaborative studies and publications.
Model Systems Research
Craig participates in National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) SCI (2021–2026) and TBI (2022–2027) Model Systems grants, contributing to national databases and leading local and collaborative research. Both local studies are progressing well and currently ahead of their planned recruitment targets:
• TBI: Evaluating high-intensity step training and virtual reality to improve balance, mobility and cognition in individuals shortly after a TBI
• SCI: Evaluating three interventions, including two different types of functional electrical stimulation (FES) to improve upper limb and trunk stability
National, International and Industry Partnerships
The Craig Research Department increasingly collaborates with local, national and international institutions to explore new rehabilitation interventions, cellular-based cures and surgical interventions to improve the lives of individuals living with SCI or TBI.
Neuromodulation and Spinal Stimulation
We are nationally recognized for non-invasive spinal stimulation, led by multiple ongoing and completed studies to improve function in individuals with SCI:
• Up-LIFT Trial: Top enrolling site; results published in Nature Medicine; ARC-Ex now FDA-approved
• Up-LIFT Home Trial: Telehealth-supported home use for upper extremity recovery; results in press
• ASPIRE study currently evaluating spinal stimulation to improve upper extremity function in the clinic after SCI
• NIDILRR funding to evaluate spinal stimulation in the home early after injury to improve upper extremity recovery and primarily using a telehealth model
Biorepository
Our biorepository has grown quickly into a considerable resource for both SCI and BI research as we are banking samples from both populations. Our goal is to use biomarkers to expedite scientific recovery while also supporting collaborations with leading academic and industry partners who are moving science forward. We are grateful to funding from the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado for making this possible.
Highlighted Research Studies That Were Funded
in FY 2023-2024 and
Are Underway
• American Heart Association Career Development Grant: Received to support Dr. Andrew Park’s training and mentorship toward becoming an independent investigator measuring vascular function
• Mitsubishi Observational Study: Assessing the measurement properties of clinical outcomes assessments in individuals with traumatic low cervical spinal cord injury
• NEURA Bowel Function Study: Evaluating homebased abdominal FES to improve bowel function using a telehealth model
• Wheelchair Cushion Study: In collaboration with Georgia Tech, evaluating the impact of cushion choice on skin integrity and postural stability (NIDILRR)
• Smoking Cessation: Assessing the barriers, facilitators and intervention implementation of smoking cessation in SCI (Neilsen Foundation)
• Post-Traumatic Growth and Adjustment After TBI: Evaluating post-traumatic growth and adjustment for individuals who sustain TBIs (U.S. Department of Defense [DOD])
• Fatigue Intervention in Adults With TBI: Testing a novel method for fatigue management in TBI (DOD)
RESEARCH TASK FORCE
The Research Task Force reviewed and approved funding for 12 pilot studies this year. Funding for these studies is provided by generous donations to the Craig Foundation. Each pilot study is championed by dedicated research associates, coordinators and scientists helping to translate ideas into active studies. Over the years, studies at Craig have helped shape new and more effective drug, cellular, surgical and rehabilitation-based treatments.
RESEARCH TASK FORCE
APPROVALS IN FY 2023-2024
• SCI and Psychedelic Use (SCIPU)
• Plasma Exosome Derived BDNF Levels
• Horticultural Therapy Pilot Study
• Abdominal FES for Bowel Function
• Venous Thromboembolism Biomarker Analysis
• Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: Assessing Brain Activity While Walking
• Actigraphy in Acquired Brain Injury
• Tidal Volume Comparison in SCI
• Rock Climbing for SCI/ABI
• High-Density Lipoprotein Dysfunction in SCI
• Subtherapeutic Anticoagulation Practices
• Clinician Dashboards for Quality Improvement
Learn more about the work Craig’s Research Department did in FY 2024, and see current research participation opportunities at craighospital.org/research
OCT. 1, 2023 - SEPT. 30, 2024
YEAR IN REVIEW YEAR IN REVIEW
October 14, 2023 The annual Pedal 4 Possible cycling event raised more than $264,500 for Craig programs. About 275 riders, including 49 adaptive cyclists and 52 virtual participants, joined the fundraiser, which was organized by the Craig Foundation and the Therapeutic Recreation Department.
October 26, 2023 Craig hosted Susan J. Harkema, Ph.D., associate director of the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center at the University of Louisville, for our 4th Annual Daniel P. Lammertse, M.D., Lectureship where she shared invaluable insights in her presentation, “Neuromodulation for Whole Body Systems for Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.”
October 27, 2023 Craig held our annual Halloween celebration for patients, families and staff. Therapeutic Recreation took home the coveted Golden Pumpkin for their Rec & Roll Arcade.
November 28, 2023 On #GivingTuesday, a nationwide movement to harness the power of philanthropy, donors gave more than $75,000 to the Craig Foundation.
November 2023 Craig Chaplain Candi Boyd held our annual Pet Blessing to honor the therapy animals in Craig’s AnimalAssisted Intervention Program.
December 5, 2023 Donors gave more than $107,000 to the Craig Foundation on Colorado Gives Day, a statewide day of giving.
December 3-9, 2023 Staff, patients and families got into the holiday spirit with treats and activities during our annual week of Wintertime Festivities, made possible by someone grateful for Craig staff.
February 14, 2024 The Craig community exchanged notes of encouragement through 1,000 valograms and flowers at a special Valentine’s Day event. We’re grateful to everyone who made the day special, including the Horticulture Therapy staff, patient groups, donors and volunteers!
March 7, 2024 Craig Hospital hosted the 45th Annual John S. Young Lectureship featuring Steven Kirshblum, MD, professor and chair at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and CMO at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation, who presented “Current Status and Future in SCI Research & Rehabilitation.”
March 7, 2024 The Craig team was honored to support Disability Rights Advocacy Day at the Colorado state capitol, amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities and joining hundreds of advocates, members of the disability community, legislators, and local leaders to raise awareness and support disability rights.
April 4, 2024 The Craig Foundation held its first Impact Celebration: Performing Arts event, which raised more than $152,000 and featured Craig graduates performing their incredible talents on stage at Denver’s Holiday Theater.
May 2024 Throughout the month of May, Craig celebrated the dedication and hard work of our staff during Nursing Week and Hospital Week with fun treats and activities.
June 21, 2024 The Foundation’s Immersive Experience at Infinity Park brought together graduates, donors and staff to learn more about Craig graduate Jason Regier’s moving journey from patient to world-class athlete, while raising over $350,000 through sponsorships and philanthropists.
June 25, 2024 The Craig Foundation announced Jim Johnson as its new Hope & Homecomings Campaign Chair. Jim’s renowned leadership in the construction industry and Colorado philanthropy is fostered by his 35+ years of experience leading GE Johnson Construction Company and his passion for giving back to the community.
June 28, 2024 Therapeutic Recreation hosted its fourth annual Recreation at the Reservoir, where staff and volunteers brought 46 inpatients to Cherry Creek State Park for a day full of adaptive fun, enjoying biking, fishing, kayaking, cycling, boating, hiking and more while working on developing skills and rehabilitation goals.
July 29, 2024 Golfers hit the links at the famed Sanctuary Golf Course for the 27th anniversary of the Craig Hospital Golf Tournament presented by RE/MAX, LLC. The tournament raised over $285,000.
August 23, 2024 Craig hosted its sixth annual Living Well with Brain Injury event for BI grads, families and caregivers, celebrating meaningful connections, informative sessions and empowering resources with speakers and an amazing panel of grads, families, volunteers and staff.
September 4, 2024 Craig held its highly anticipated annual Trike Races in advance of Pedal 4 Possible: At the Raceway. Every year, staff teams from across the hospital gather on the circle drive to race for the prized Golden Trike. With a healthy dose of friendly competition, this year’s champs were The Motomeds from 4W Physical Therapy!
September 15, 2024 The Craig Foundation hosted an event in Northern California with Craig graduate and musician Max Becker, who shared his recovery journey and performed live with his guitar “students,” The Shrewman League, raising over $163,000.
September 26, 2024 Craig hosted a Garden Harvest Party, where staff, volunteers, patients and families gathered to explore our Horticultural Therapy program, enjoy bites, and celebrate the season with music, activities and samples—many featuring ingredients from Craig’s gardens, prepared by grads including chef Brandon Causey.
FISCAL YEAR 2024 AWARDS AWARDS
JANUARY 2024
Craig Hospital received the 2023 Press Ganey Human Experience NDNQI Award for Outstanding Nursing Quality®
MARCH 2024
Craig Hospital President and CEO Jandel Allen-Davis, MD, was recognized by the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) with the 2024 John Madden Jr. Leadership Award at its Annual Business for the Arts Awards event. Named for CBCA’s founding chairman, the John Madden, Jr. Leadership Award recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary leadership and a legacy of support for the arts.
JUNE 2024
MAY 2024
Craig Hospital earned the 2024 Top Workplaces USA and Denver Post Top Workplaces Awards
This year, Craig Research Scientist Susie Charlifue, Ph.D., FASIA, FISCoS, FACRM, was inducted as the new president of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), marking a historic moment as she became the first nonclinician to hold this prestigious position.
JULY 2024
Craig was named among the Best Hospitals for Rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report for the 35th consecutive year.
AUGUST 2024
Several of our outstanding physicians from CNS Medical Group were recognized once again in 5280 Magazine’s Top Docs list for 2024! We’re proud of Dr. William M. Scelza, Dr. Mark R. Johansen, Dr. Eric T. Spier, Dr. Jeffrey C. Berliner, Dr. Morgan Brubaker, Dr. Gary A. Maerz and Dr. Michael Makley for being honored this year and grateful to all of our physicians for their unwavering dedication to our patients.
STEVE & HERCULES STEVE & HERCULES National Pet Day
Steve and his pet therapy dog, Hercules, are two of Craig’s exceptional volunteers. Their journey with us began as one of 16 humananimal teams in our donorsupported Animal-Assisted Intervention Program (AAIP), bringing joy and therapeutic support to our patients on a weekly basis.
Steve and his family serve as volunteer puppy raisers for Canine Companions and receive puppies at two months old and train them until they are 18 months old, providing them with a nurturing environment, comprehensive training and mastery of 40 different commands. Hercules VI is one of these lucky pups who was bred, raised and trained to be a service dog when he was sent to complete his professional training at Canine Companions San Diego.
therapist and AAIP coordinator, to identify any scheduled appointments that could benefit from Hercules’s presence. Recognizing that many of our patients are away from their pets during their neurorehabilitation, even a simple interaction with Hercules can significantly lift their spirits.
Despite being released from the professional training program due to alert barking—an instinctive response to sudden loud noises— Hercules didn’t retire his vest. He officially became a cherished member of Steve’s family in Colorado and began a meaningful new chapter at Craig and recently celebrated his 7th birthday!
With Hercules’s temperament and background training, it made him the perfect match to be a therapy dog, where his strengths and skills can easily be worked into the therapy that a patient is already doing to help them work toward their goals.
On a typical day, Steve and Hercules check in with Lori Womeldorff, a certified recreational
In the absence of scheduled appointments, Steve and Hercules make their rounds, visiting therapy rooms and engaging with patients. Hercules’s skill set enables him to perform a variety of tasks such as lying next to patients, assisting with reading and speaking exercises, fetching items, opening doors, and distributing his unique Craig Therapy Dog card.
A big thank-you goes out to Steve and Hercules for spreading so much joy and improving the life of our patients, their families and our staff. They are such pawsome members of our Craig family!
From the Desk of the Foundation President
Dear Friends,
Philanthropy at Craig is like copper wiring, serving as the essential conduit through which resources, energy and impact flow. Your collective support continues to ensure that the Craig staff have what they need to say “yes” to patients seamlessly. Thank you for sharing your love for Craig by sending notes, giving of your time and talent, connecting with the Craig community in your area, and sharing your financial resources so others can thrive.
During our 50th anniversary year, nearly 4,000 donors entrusted Craig Hospital Foundation with a donation, a testament to the profound trust and belief in our mission. Your collective contributions have directly impacted the lives of thousands of patients and families, empowering them to navigate their journeys with resilience and optimism.
Thanks to your generosity, over $9.7 million was put to work immediately to meet critical needs. Programs such as Therapeutic Recreation, the School Program, Neurologic Music Therapy, Patient & Family Housing, and scholarships for equipment or education are flourishing because of you. Your support ensures that patients can return home with the belief and confidence to embrace life fully.
This year marked a significant milestone—50 years of the Craig Hospital Foundation’s investment in our programs and the families we serve! The Foundation shares an anniversary with the Craig Hospital Research program, which is a beneficiary of your generosity—you fund essential research and initiatives that would otherwise remain out of reach.
We are deeply grateful to families who generously support Craig and others, such as the Lavelle family, who thoughtfully shared their stories with our community this year. Their experiences— and those of so many others—offer encouragement, hope and connection for patients navigating similar challenges. These stories remind us all why we do what we do: to make a difference in every life touched by Craig Hospital. The Craig community came together in extraordinary ways this year to share their stories in many creative ways. Together, we shared our stories through events that celebrated the performing arts, athletics, connection and common purpose. From an intimate concert in Northern California featuring Max Becker to the Impact Celebration: Performing Arts Craig graduates showcased the healing power of creativity and community. Craig grads and staff also made meaningful connections at Pedal 4 Possible and the Sanctuary Golf Tournament.
Just as copper wiring is indispensable for powering infrastructure and providing important connection, philanthropy is one of the many ways we connect while energizing and sustaining the work of our beloved Craig Hospital!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Serena Bruzgo President, Craig Foundation
Celebrating
2024 marked 50 years of philanthropy and innovative research at Craig Hospital.
CRAIG HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
We were honored to celebrate 50 years of the Craig Foundation in 2024—half a century of hope, heart and healing made possible by the generosity of a remarkable community.
Since 1975, the Foundation has helped ensure that every patient who comes to Craig Hospital is met with not only world-class care, but also compassion, dignity and the resources to rebuild their lives after spinal cord or brain injury.
Over the years, the Foundation has grown alongside Craig, transforming how we connect with donors, share our stories, and support the ever-evolving needs of our patients. Through signature events like Pedal 4 Possible, deeply personal gifts, and moments of kindness both big and small, the Foundation has become a lifeline for thousands of families—fueling programs that extend far beyond what insurance covers, from adaptive equipment to therapeutic recreation and community reintegration.
As we look back on this golden anniversary, we are filled with gratitude—for every donor who believed in a brighter future, for every story that inspired giving, and for the countless lives touched by this extraordinary generosity. Here’s to 50 years of impact, care and possibility—and to continuing this meaningful journey, together.
Learn more about supporting the Foundation’s mission: craighospital.org/foundation
CRAIG HOSPITAL RESEARCH
In 2024, we were proud to recognize Craig Hospital’s Research Department for 50 years of excellence in their focus on high-quality research studies that promote optimal health, independence and life quality for people affected by spinal cord injury and brain injury!
Since 1974, when Craig first received a Spinal Cord Injury Model System grant, our Research Department has been at the forefront of innovation. In 1998, Craig’s brain injury program also earned its TBI Model System designation, solidifying our role as a national leader in SCI and TBI care.
Today, Craig proudly serves as both an SCI and TBI Model Systems Center as well as managing the TBIMS National Database and Statistical Program—a vital resource for research and rehabilitation across the U.S. And with more than 30 staff and 40-50 active studies at any given time, our research team is devoted to excellence in applied rehabilitation research to improve outcomes for individuals with SCI and TBI.
Learn more about research at Craig: craighospital.org/research
FY 2024 CRAIG HOSPITAL FINANCIALS FINANCIALS
HOSPITAL NUMBERS
$158 million in operating revenue
$156 million in operating expenses
$342 million in total assets
FOUNDATION NUMBERS
3,881 donors
9,158 gifts
$14.2 million total contributions
$10.5 million in endowment
$9,689,064 Individuals, Alumni & Alumni Family
SOURCES OF FOUNDATION SUPPORT TOTAL FUNDS
$14,234,886*
$1,351,999 Corporations
$2,914,261 Foundations & Trusts
$279,560 Organizations/Other *Includes Gifts-in-Kind
IMPACT OF FOUNDATION FUNDS
Patient Assistance
Area of Greatest Need**
Special Purpose
Culture of Care (Hospital Programs)
Research
Operation TBI Freedom
Capital/Equipment
$2,969,830 // 31.4%
$2,706,180 // 28.6%
$1,334,973 // 14.1%
$1,042,351 // 11.0%
$935,613 // 9.9%
$363,727 // 3.8%
$98,837 // 1.0%
**Supports Craig’s most pressing needs, including critical programs, equipment, and $500k+ to advance innovation through research.
PATIENT ASSISTANCE BREAKDOWN
Durable medical equipment
Home and vehicle modifications
Scholarships for going back to school, therapeutic recreation or the PEAK Center
Transportation for patients and families
Mortgage and rent assistance
Air ambulance for patients
Other
Dental or medical assistance
Caregiver training and support
Outpatient services
Technology
Total Funds Distributed
$9,746,461
$980,781 // 33%
$777,066 // 26.2%
$404,854 // 13.7%
$227,255 // 7.7%
$166,542 // 5.6%
$138,906 // 4.7%
$114,650 // 3.9%
$57,787 // 1.9%
$44,460 // 1.5%
$33,748 // 1.1%
$23,782 // 0.8%
Total PA Funds Distributed
$2,969,830
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 BOARD MEMBERS 2024 MEMBERS
MEMBERS SERVING DURING FISCAL YEAR 2024
CRAIG HOSPITAL BOARD
Joan Henneberry
Hospital Board Chair
State Health Policy Leader (Retired)
Jandel Allen-Davis, MD President and CEO
Craig Hospital
Bruce Schroffel
Hospital Board Chair-Elect
Healthcare Executive (Retired)
Kari Goerke
Hospital Board Chair through March ’24
Regis University
Angela Oakley
Hospital Board Treasurer WellPower
Justin Cooper
Hospital Board Member
Saunders Construction
Arturo Elizondo
Hospital Board Member
The EVERY Company
Jessica Hobbs*
Hospital Board Member
EnergyCAP
Vijay Ijju
Hospital Board Member
Falcon 5 Capital
Christopher Kelley Hospital Board Member FirstBank
John Kurath*
Hospital Board Member Warner Pacific Insurance
Gerry Lewis-Jenkins*
Hospital Board Member Copic Insurance Company (Retired)
Jim Miles
Hospital Board Member Foly & Lardner LLP
Lisa Morris
Hospital Board Member Swedish Medical Center (Retired)
John Robb
Foundation Board Chair through Feb. ’24 The Stone Creek Group
Purnima Wagle*
Hospital Board Member
Business Transformation Executive
Maribeth Younger
Foundation Board Chair
Williams Weese Pepple & Ferguson
William Scelza, MD
Medical Director and Medical Staff President
Craig Hospital
CRAIG FOUNDATION BOARD
Maribeth Younger Foundation Board Chair
Williams Weese Pepple & Ferguson
Jandel Allen-Davis, MD President and CEO
Craig Hospital
Serena Bruzgo
Craig Foundation President
Craig Foundation
John Robb Foundation Board Chair through Feb. ’24 The Stone Creek Group
Lisa Cohn
Foundation Board Secretary/Treasurer Apartment Income REIT Corp. (AIR)
Barrett Baker* Foundation Board Member Daniels Petroleum Company
Steve Baker Foundation Board Member Community Volunteer
Ryan Beiser
Foundation Board Member PNC Bank
Ryan Berry Foundation Board Member
Ernst & Young, LLP
Dan Campbell Foundation Board Member
ARB Midstream LLC, Denver
Christina Caulkins Foundation Board Member
Patina Management
Thomas Corley Foundation Board Member
Community Volunteer
Katy Corrigan Foundation Board Member
DPR Construction
Matt Crowe Foundation Board Member
UV Angel
Christopher Davis-Massey* Foundation Board Member Cholon Restaurant Concepts
Dan Dye Foundation Board Member Community Volunteer
Brian Graff Foundation Board Member railbender.io
Pete Holst Foundation Board Member Oblong, Inc.
Ronald Levine* Foundation Board Member Arnold & Porter
Emily Robinson Foundation Board Member Community Volunteer
Olivia Thompson* Foundation Board Member Community Volunteer
Teresa Van De Bogart Foundation Board Member Community Volunteer
Nathan Vandas Foundation Board Member Wells Fargo Advisors
Jake Vanderslice Foundation Board Member VanWest Partners
Elena Wuchner Foundation Board Member EON Workplace
*Board term completed during FY 2024
