2023 Big Shots Supporting Little Tots Luncheon Program

A luncheon benefiting Immunize Colorado

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023 History Colorado Center - Denver, CO 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

WELCOME Dear Friends, Welcome to Immunize Colorado’s 2023 Big Shots Supporting Little Tots Luncheon. We are pleased to host this event to celebrate our state’s and our organization’s recent successes and raise important funds to advance our mission to protect Colorado families, schools, and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Today, vaccine advocate Jay Middleton will share with you his journey fighting oropharyngeal cancer caused by the HPV virus—a virus preventable with a vaccine that, despite having been available for nearly 20 years, has concerningly low uptake among adolescents. Many thanks to Jay, the Immunize Colorado Board of Directors and staff, and our generous sponsors for making this event possible.

This year, Immunize Colorado continued to address vaccine hesitancy and access barriers through robust communications, program, and policy efforts.

With our coalition of partners, we advocated for a budget amendment of over $3 million to support immunization efforts, including mobile clinics—a major win for and investment in public health. We also launched a Youth Ambassador program and an initiative focusing on outreach to underserved Coloradans, including older adult, BIPOC, and disability communities. The trusted messengers and partners we work with continue to provide culturally affirming vaccine education at clinics and outreach events. These are just a few of our successes from the past year. And while we celebrate them, we recognize our work is far from over. Vaccine rates are the lowest they have been in years, putting communities at risk. We must continue to repair and strengthen trust in vaccines and fight for vaccine equity and justice so that everyone has reliable information about and access to lifesaving vaccines.

We look forward to increasing our impact over the next year. Thank you so much for your continued support, generosity, and partnership.

Sincerely,

Emily Clancy & Sarah Waraniak Emily Clancy and Sarah Waraniak, Co-Interim Executive Directors

GUEST SPEAKER Jay Middleton In 2020, Jay received a life-altering diagnosis of HPV-related head and neck cancer. He spent the first six months of the pandemic undergoing a bilateral neck dissection followed by six weeks of daily radiation. During his cancer treatment, Jay embraced the power of humor and the healing properties of the outdoors. He began sharing his journey through his blog Bikes Kill Cancer and his Instagram account. By finding joy in laughter and embracing nature, he found solace and strength to navigate the difficult days. This invaluable insight led him to advocate for others going through similar experiences, sharing his story of resilience and highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. Passionate about supporting cancer research and those affected by cancer, Jay has fundraised for critical organizations like the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and First Descents.

Jay has become a sought-after speaker and guest, having spoken on numerous podcasts and radio shows, in local news, and at conferences. His ability to articulate his journey and inspire others with his story has captivated audiences far and wide. His goal is to foster hope and a sense of community among cancer fighters and survivors.

Throughout his challenging journey, Jay has been fortunate to have the unwavering support of his wonderful wife, Ashley. Ashley's love, care, and strength have been a constant source of inspiration and a pillar of support, enabling Jay to navigate the difficulties of their cancer diagnosis and treatment with grace. Today, Jay lives life to the fullest, celebrating each day as a gift and serving as a symbol of hope for others facing adversity.

2023 EVENT SPONSORS Title Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

2023 EVENT SPONSORS Contributing Sponsors American Academy of Pediatrics, Colorado Chapter Aponte & Busam Public Affairs Consultants The Colorado Trust Connect for Health Colorado COPIC Denver Health Department of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, CU School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, CU School of Medicine Jules Amer Chair in Community Pediatrics Kaiser Permanente We Work for Health Colorado

Individual Sponsors Irene Aguilar, MD Jeri Ajayi Angie Anderson Ray Blum, MD Jessica Cataldi, MD, MSCS Nathan and Jennifer DeVine Simon Hambidge, MD Martin Pirnat, MD, and Charlotte Pirnat

SPECIAL THANKS Immunize Colorado Board of Directors Sen. Irene Aguilar, President Ray Blum, MD, Vice President Natalie Price, CPA, Treasurer Sara Froelich, Secretary Jeri Ajayi Angela Anderson, MS, MA Aimee Pugh Bernard, PhD

Jessica Cataldi, MD, MSCS Stephanie Glover Jennifer Harrington, RN, BSN Stephanie James, PhD, MBA Martin Pirnat, MD Lynn Trefren, RN, MSN Emily Zadvorny, PharmD, BCPS

Immunize Colorado Staff Sarah Waraniak, MPH, Program Director & Co-Interim Executive Director Emily Clancy, Communications Director & Co-Interim Executive Director Leann Springer, Communications Manager Madelyn Wild, Public Health Associate Edric Gagui, Immunization Outreach and Education Coordinator Susanna Mirick, Outreach and Communications Fellow Christian Vieweg, VISTA Leader We also extend gratitude to Ashley Bader, Public Health Associate, whose two-year assignment with Immunize Colorado ended on October 6.

Immunize Colorado Contractors ABC Accounting Aponte & Busam Public Affairs Consultants African Youth Advocate Inner City Health Center

Julissa Soto Out Boulder County The Refuge TeNeil Hartley Events

SPECIAL THANKS Major Supporters $200,000 and above Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

$50,000 - $199,999 National Council on Aging Urban Institute U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

$10,000 - $49,999 American Academy of Pediatrics Corporation for National and Community Service / AmeriCorps VISTA The Denver Post Season to Share Presented by DaVita National Council on Aging Public Health Institute at Denver Health

Below $10,000 IDEO.org

In-Kind Children’s Hospital Colorado

Thank you for joining us today!

Want to make a donation? Visit www.immunizecolorado.org/donate or scan the QR code:

13123 E. 16th Avenue Box 281 Aurora, CO 80045 720-777-5340 ImmunizeColorado.org