Roy is an HVAC slacker, neglecting his system, assuming “If it aint broke, don’t fix it”. Tom gets his HVAC system inspected yearly, avoiding thousands of dollars in lost efficiency and equipment breakdowns. ATTENTION
What makes summer memorable?
I invite you to take a trip down memory lane for a second. What was your "best summer ever?"
I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say “That was the best winter ever.” Or fall or spring, for that matter. Something about summertime, especially as a kid, makes it special.
Maybe it’s the freedom associated with it. Freedom from school. Celebrating Independence Day. Staying up late, epic camping trips, bikes, baseball, BBQ, swimming pools, water gun fights, and backyard parties. One summer stands out from my childhood… a family vacation to Yellowstone. Nothing screams “Americana” like a summer road trip to one of the most iconic National Parks in the United States. My parents packed up the camper trailer and our 1980 GMC pickup truck and we hit the road to make some awesome memories.
That was in 1990. In 2024, road trips haven’t changed much, but our vehicles and campers certainly have! Broomfield-based Lightship is leading the way with the L1, America’s first fully electric RV travel trailer. We had a great time meeting them to learn how they are working diligently to bring our beloved road trips to the electric age. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg for this fun Kids & Pets issue!
Lastly, we wouldn’t have a “Kids & Pets” issue without moms and dads, so, let’s hear it for all the parents out there, the unsung heroes who work and sacrifice to make a great life and awesome humans. God knows it’s hard work, this parenting stuff, but it sure is worth it.
I’m writing this letter only a few hours after learning that Dennis Oaks, better known as “Skippy,” my beautiful bride’s brave and heroic father, a beloved husband, and a selfless and respected fire chief, passed suddenly as he was prepping for Sarah and my sweet daughters to fly out and spend several days enjoying his favorite pastime, camping with family and friends. I dedicate this issue to him. Thank you, Skip, for blessing me with Sarah. I promise to love and care for her for the rest of my life.
In loving memory,
JUSTIN SCHIERKOLK, PUBLISHER @BROOMFIELDLIFESTYLE
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Justin Schierkolk | justin.schierkolk@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Schierkolk | sarah.schierkolk@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sarah Dawn Photography sarah@sdawnphotography.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Schierkolk, Justin Schierkolk, Kevin Getz, Julie Walker, Kristen Hamm, Derik Timmerman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Stephanie Fassler Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Broomfield School of Rock students performed in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT during their “House Band on the Run” Summer Tour.
Growing family?
Let’s talk today about your home remodel or addition!
“Working with Bunn & Sons was a delight. You never had to worry about anything. They were always there...”
Visit our website to hear from Liz & Casey about their experience with Bunn & Sons!
Warrior Challenge Arena Now Offers Birthday Parties in Frederick, CO!
Kids birthday parties are nothing but pure excitement inside Warrior Challenge Arena. Girls and boys alike will enjoy hilarious physical fun through team and personal challenges catered to specific ages and interests. Now with a second location in Frederick, CO, their coaches can facilitate over 150 different games in the arena so the excitement will never stop. So let WCA create an incredibly unique birthday experience that all of your guests will be raving over.
Zoë Antoine brings many years of expertise and passion to create the perfect hair experience. Within her elegant, French-inspired studio, the focus is on the latest color techniques and cutting-edge styles, designed to bring out each client’s unique beauty. All services are gender neutral.
Tessa Ashton is a beauty professional who specializes in customized color services. Whether you’re looking to be a beautiful blonde, dimensional brunette, or get a full vivid transformation, Tessa is a versatile stylist who can do it all! Tessa is a 5 star review stylist, creating meaningful relationships with each client. In this unique and welcom
ing atmosphere, Tessa can customize your next color and give you the hair you’ve been waiting for!
New Broomfield Area Chamber Members to Support!
The Broomfield Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following new members. Please consider these businesses first when the need arises! Lisa Craig Photography, Make it a Double LLC, The Elmwood, GreenState Mortgage, Stallion Financing, Longmont Dairy, Humana Health and Sparkling Alchemy. For a full list of local businesses, head to broomfieldchamber.com
“My daughter has taken her car in several times and the staff is always super patient and good at explaining issues. Always on time and professional. Been using 5th Gear for many years and I’m never disappointed. I will continue using 5th Gear for all my automotive needs!”
Top triple jumper at Broomfield High School, Taylor Greene has been a ninja for over half of her life. Competing in American Ninja Warrior Junior starting at the age of 9, Taylor currently holds the Last Women Standing title of season 15 and is moving on to the semi-finals of season 16 of American Ninja Warrior. Follow @sweetninjagirl as she continues to push through seemingly impossible tests of strength and endurance through the world’s most notorious obstacle courses.
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Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy
A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy
ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS
We created a list of some fun tricks to teach your puppy! Whether you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re teaching an old dog new tricks, you and your pet are sure to have a fun time! Spending time playing and training with your pet makes for a great bonding experience! Don’t forget to reward them with some delicious dog treats when they successfully do a trick. My pup’s personal favorite treats are chicken, peanut butter, and carrots. We hope you and your pup have a great time learning the tricks on this list!
SPEAK
Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.
STAY
Have your dog sit and then tell them to stay. Hold your hand out with your palm toward their nose in the stop position. If they hold the position for a second or two, praise them and reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this and gradually having them stay longer.
SHAKE
Hold your hand out in front of your dog. Your dog may do some experimenting trying to figure out what you want. Once they put their paw in your hand, immediately praise and reward them.
Accomplish
“This
2 3 4 5
Top Vacations Family-Friendly 5
Shirley Dyffryn at Wee Travel of Broomfield shares her favorite vacation spots for the whole family.
ARTICLE BY SARAH SCHIERKOLK
1. BEACHES RESORTS
Beaches all-inclusive resorts feature the biggest waterparks in the Caribbean and offer a great family getaway.
2. CLUB MED RESORTS
Everything at Club Med is in place to create precious moments for the whole family.
3. ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Royal Caribbean is known for delivering great family getaways designed to wow guests across multiple generations.
4. CARNIVAL CRUISE
Bring everybody along for a fun ride to exotic islands on a ship packed with amazing things to do for all ages.
5. NORWEGIAN CRUISE
With a wide range of activities, award-winning entertainment and complimentary family programming, there’s something for everyone.
Broomfield High School Soccer Keeper Heads to Italy!
The highlight of Lukas Gibson’s summer break was training at Juventus Academy.
“Your job is to get hit by the ball.”
These words from a coach encapsulate the intensity and bravery required for 17-year-old Lukas Gibson, a Broomfield High School senior and soccer keeper. It’s a daunting prospect, especially under the pressure of a crucial game, but Lukas thrives on this challenge.
Lukas handles the pressure and responsibility in stride. “I don’t think about it. When I do, I make mistakes,” he explained. “I have to trust myself and my teammates.” The rewards, like saving penalties and celebrating with his teammates, far outweigh the risks. “Saving penalties is a great feeling. When my teammates come over to hug me—it’s all worth it.” The protein shakes and Chipotle afterward also help!
Lukas’ efforts were noticed by Juventus Academy, a youth competitive football (soccer) club based in Turin, Italy.
Broomfield High School
Invited to train with their youth team, he spent part of his summer in Italy, working out twice a day, scrimmaging against other academies and touring nearby cities on weekends. Training with Juventus FC’s coaches was a highlight of his soccer journey!
That journey began at age seven in a California rec league. Trying various positions, he found his calling as a keeper. Despite the pressure, the thrill of catching the ball and the intensity of the position hooked him. Moving to Colorado at age 10, he eventually joined Broomfield Soccer Club two years ago. He currently
plays high school soccer in the fall and on Broomfield's NPL team in the spring.
Handling the mental challenges of goalkeeping is tough, especially being blamed for goals and injuries like his dislocated pinky, which led to surgery. To manage pressure, he trains rigorously, including weight training, gym sessions and evening kickarounds. Rest, stretching and massages are crucial parts of his routine. With a summer in Italy and a dedication to his craft, Lukas Gibson's story is one of passion, perseverance and exciting opportunities ahead.
Juventus Academy in Turin, Italy
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION?
AN UNEXPECTED SCHOLARSHIP TRANSFORMS A YOUNG STUDENT INTO A TEACHER WHO BUILDS A COMMUNITY LEGACY FOR DECADES TO COME.
An Invitation to Dance
ARTICLE BY KRISTEN HAMM
“If I hadn’t received that scholarship, there’s no way I would have been able to dance...”
“I’d probably be staying home raising babies right now,” the twenty-year-old brunette dance teacher thoughtfully speculates. “If I hadn’t received that scholarship, there’s no way I would have been able to dance, and most of my peers from my neighborhood are married with kids now.” Growing up, Leilani Montoya always had an interest in the arts. The Commerce City native recalls how her mother was constantly crafting and her older sister often performed in theater productions. As a child, Leilani took a few dance classes at the local rec center but felt like they mostly just played around to music. However, one fateful day, Colorado Conservatory of Dance (CCD) waltzed into Leilani’s world, changing her perspective on dance and redirecting her entire life trajectory. CCD, a local non-profit and conservatory, makes an incredible impact in the Broomfield community and its neighboring towns. Through unique endeavors like the Anti-bullying Ballet Program, Move2Learn Cultural Series, and After School Dance Programs, CCD reaches people and populations who would otherwise have no exposure to dance. Leilani participated in one such program at her school when she was just seven years old. CCD brought a dance experience about bugs to the young girl’s elementary school, and she was enthralled. “They had us move to music in a way that I had never moved my body before. We crawled like ants and jumped like grasshoppers. I loved it!” The instructors of the program noticed Leilani's aptitude for dance, and offered her a scholarship to the
conservatory. “I think there was actually a mix-up,” the poised, yet approachable young lady recalls. “They offered me a full scholarship for the dance program for my remaining seven years of schooling. I don’t think it was supposed to be that much, but after they offered it, they didn’t take it back.”
The happy miscommunication, and generous scholarship, gave Leilani access to all the dance classes she desired. Initially, Leilani attended classes three afternoons a week at CCD’s stateof-the-art facilities. When she got into middle school, her training increased to six days a week. “My parents were incredibly supportive, while still being realistic,” Leilani shares, “They somehow figured out carpooling to the studio and sacrificed a lot to keep me dancing. However, they also made sure I thought about my future and the likelihood of making a living out of dance.” Leilani loved her classes, but performing live really captured her heart and sealed her dedication to and passion for dance. “Stepping on stage with the lights, feeling the presence of the audience even though you can’t see them, then putting all your hard work and hours of practice out there… there’s nothing like it!”
Leilani performed her favorite role when she was only fourteen, in a ballet called Spring Water, in a pas de deux (duet) en pointe with a male lead. “It was a ‘sexy’ dance with a lot of cool lifts,” Leilani laughs, “the connection with my partner was incredible, and working so hard with someone else to create something new became my new favorite kind of dance.”
CONTINUED >
Leilani continues to value community creations and partner or group dance.
Though she began as a “bun-head” (ballet purist) thirteen years ago, Leilani has since branched out into jazz, modern, tap, and other dance forms. In fact, tap now features as one of her favorite classes to teach at CCD. Leilani loves helping children and adults progress from their initial plies in class to their first performances under the lights. “I can feel what they’re feeling as they step on the stage, and it makes me so excited for them and so proud!”
When asked if she’ll stay with CCD forever, Leilani replied, “I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. It is all I’ve invested in for the past 13 years. I’ve thought about exploring other interests, but I want to give one last push to dance for a professional company. I get to do what I love as a job with a community that loves what I love.” As with many impassioned artists, Leilani's love for her art spills out onto those whom she tutors. The young dancer clearly enjoys people, values connection, and gives back a hundredfold to a community that has given so much to her.
I Protect Families
THE FUTURE OF THE FAMILY ROAD TRIP
Introducing the L1, a Self-Propelled All-Electric RV by Lightship in Broomfield
ARTICLE BY JUSTIN SCHIERKOLK
For many Broomfield families, some of the fondest childhood memories come from camping. Speaking of fond childhood memories, learning about the L1 by Lightship, I couldn’t help waxing nostalgic about a favorite movie from my own childhood—Back to the Future. Many of you will recognize these classic one-liners from the 1985 flick, and I hope this brings a smile to your face as you explore the future of the family road trip!
“With its sleek, modern look, glassy appearance, and wildly innovative technology, it is striking, elegant, and breathtaking.”
“GREAT SCOTT!”
One could easily be forgiven for reacting this way when first seeing the L1. With its sleek, modern look, glassy appearance, and wildly innovative technology, it is striking, elegant, and breathtaking. Wow-factor much? Great Scott indeed!
Best of all, the L1 is purpose-built to make the experience of enjoying the outdoors infinitely better for the entire family. If you ever want to test the strength of your marriage, try working with your spouse to park a trailer. A huge drawback to a traditional RV is the time-consuming hassle of parking, setup, and teardown. With L1 those hassles are a thing of the past, and enjoying more quality family time is a thing of the present. Many of the features and functions of the L1 are controlled by a tablet. Parking, hitching, and leveling are assisted by sensors and cameras. Converting from Road Mode to Camp Mode happens at the tip of your fingers.
“IF YOU’RE GONNA BUILD A (SELF-PROPELLED RV OF THE FUTURE), WHY NOT DO IT WITH SOME STYLE?”
Of course in the movie, Doc Brown was referring to his beloved DeLorean, and as he pointed out, style matters! The L1 is a beautiful representation of functional style. The sleek design isn’t just for looks. This passive efficiency is a major contributor to the overall towability, fuel economy, and ability of the L1 to get where you want to go—away.
“ROADS? WHERE WE’RE GOING, WE DON’T NEED ROADS.”
Ok. We definitely need roads where we’re going, but the L1 is designed to make them less of a factor, and far more enjoyable. Tight curves? The L1 has a low profile and low center of gravity, making it extremely stable. Steep grades? The smart drive system senses acceleration and deceleration, keeping you in control at all times.
“…THE FLUX CAPACITOR!”
Thankfully, no Flux Capacitor (or plutonium) is required! L1 is powered by batteries and an array of solar panels. “We’ve eliminated the need for multiple, costly, and dangerous fuel systems,” said Toby Kraus, Co-Founder and President of Lightship. “We’re a bunch of EV nerds on a mission to make an RV that we believe is just better. One where you don’t have to deal with all the different fuel sources. Everything just works from a single, clean, renewable source. With the propulsion system, we’re saving people money at the gas station. We’re making an RV life experience that’s cost-efficient, easier, safer, and less intimidating.”
“We’re a bunch of EV nerds on a mission to make an RV that we believe is just better... that’s cost-efficient, easier, safer, and less intimidating.”
“1.21
GIGAWATTS!”
Since we’re not exactly time-traveling, and there is no Flux Capacitor, 1.21 gigawatts is far, far beyond what’s needed to power the L1. That being said, you may FEEL like you’re time-traveling! After all, they say time flies when you’re having fun. Thankfully, we’re still well within the realm of kilowatts. Battery capacity comes in 40kWh and 80kWh options, with solar generation capacity up to 3kW.
“WHY ARE THINGS SO HEAVY IN THE FUTURE? IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THE EARTH’S GRAVITATIONAL PULL?”
When it comes to weight, the L1 is anything but heavy. There’s also nothing wrong with the Earth’s gravitational pull, although we feel it a lot more coming down steep grades in the mountains. The L1 was designed to minimize weight and bulk. Keeping it as streamlined and light as possible means less battery drain and maximum range and efficiency.
“WHEN THIS BABY HITS 88 MILES PER HOUR, YOU’RE GOING TO SEE SOME SERIOUS_______”
If you’ve ever driven over a mountain pass, especially while towing, you’ll understand the benefit of speed control and reduced stopping distance. The engineers at Lightship have made (arguably) the most intimidating experience of camping as safe as possible. Imagine going down a steep grade on I-70. The integrated braking system enables the L1 to slow itself down, helping the driver maintain control. Additionally, the “smart” tow hitch includes a force sensor that provides input to a computer and will automatically decelerate or accelerate to closely match the speed of the L1 to the speed of the tow vehicle. Brilliant!
“YOU WON’T GET BACK TO THE FUTURE…”
Nope. The L1 experience is certainly “futuristic,” but the point is to leverage innovative technology to bring people together and enjoy living in the present.
ABOUT LIGHTSHIP
Founded in 2020, Lightship is America’s first all-electric RV company on a mission to reimagine the recreational vehicle experience by designing and producing aerodynamic, battery-powered trailers for the electric age. Based in San Francisco and Broomfield, Colorado, Lightship sells its products direct to U.S. consumers on the company’s website at lightshiprv.com .
Amanda Winther(L), Head of Marketing and Toby Kraus(R), Co-Founder and President of Lightship.
Photo By: Sarah Dawn Photography
Game On
ARTICLE BY KEVIN GETZ
Broomfield Welcomes Cutting-Edge Esports Training Arena!
It’s Saturday evening and you’re sunburnt, tired, and hungry because you spent most of the day on the soccer field watching your kids kick a ball (if they were lucky enough to play). Maybe you were at the baseball field, swimming pool, or tennis courts instead, but the reason was still the same: you love your children and have them in team sports. It’s a great way for them to make friends, exercise and compete.
But what if your kid would rather sit in his bedroom all day and play video games? Not everyone is an athlete in the traditional sense.
“Esports teams can be a terrific alternative for families facing those challenges,” remarks Wayne McCulloch, the owner of Valhallan Esports Training in Broomfield at 3800 W 144th Ave. “All types of students can become Esports superstars.”
Video gaming, played online with a team of 2-5 players, is a burgeoning activity set to explode in popularity worldwide. Currently there are an estimated 318 million Esports enthusiasts plus another 322 million occasional viewers according to Statista. com. Schools have embraced this trend, with most large high schools and universities forming Esports teams or clubs, such as the University of Colorado and Colorado State University. Your child could one day be cheered on by game lovers around the world while competing online!
CONTINUED >
“All types of students can become Esports superstars.”
Wayne McCullochOwner of Valhallan Esports Training
Great. Another excuse for your children to skip their homework and play video games. Well, if they are going to put in the screen time anyway, why not try to make it valuable?
“Participation in Esports should be treated as a privilege to be earned, just like any other sports team at school,” advises Wayne who, with his wife Kristi, has two young daughters. “Our programs are much more than just playing video games. We offer classes about Esports broadcasting, shoutcasting (live play-by-play of the gaming action), video game development, event planning, marketing and promotion.” As part of their safety measures, they offer a closed environment, which means no people outside the Valhallan network are engaging with the kids. Parent resources are also available to encourage safe gaming at home.
Esports develops skills just like traditional sports do. Problem solving while playing at the breakneck speed of a video game demands logical and critical thinking. Building strong relationships with your teammates and coaches teaches important people skills. Plus, boys and girls can safely play on the same Esports teams since size and strength don’t matter. This tends to foster an appreciation for all types of players and reduce negative stereotypes.
As a true Esports arena, Valhallan uses stateof-the-art computers, monitors, and networks essential for developing the best players possible. Invited family and friends can go to the arena or stream online from anywhere and watch players compete in games like Valorant, Fortnite, and League of Legends.
“Our programs are much more than just playing video games. We offer classes about Esports broadcasting, shoutcasting (live play-byplay of the gaming action), video game development, event planning, marketing and promotion.”
The best traditional athletes start young and improve through each level of competition.
Esports trainers are now partnering with schools to bring the United States up to par with European and Asian countries. There are currently 170 colleges and universities with Esports teams, and many of those have available scholarships that go unfilled. Wayne sees that as an untapped resource. “Imagine your child going to college on a video gaming Esports scholarship!”
Wayne is passionate about the positive effects Esports can have on the next generation of student athletes. The digital world is ever evolving, and it is important that they embrace that technology safely.
With Valhallan Esports Training, he hopes to create a legacy by helping thousands of students reach their potential in life through the excitement of Esports.
“
I am HOPEFUL because of them!
Chiropractic Care • Physical Therapy • Massage Therapy • Acupuncture • Physical Medicine • Dry Needling
Scan QR code to Elevate your health today!
Dr. Hayden Edge, D.C.
- Kathy J.
A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR EXCEPTIONAL DENTAL CARE AT THORNTON VALLEY DENTAL
Oral Health for the Whole Family
ARTICLE BY SARAH SCHIERKOLK PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY
Finding the right family dentist is crucial for maintaining the oral health of every member of your household. A family dentist not only provides essential dental care but also fosters a comforting and trusting environment for patients of all ages. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Dr. Cettie, a dedicated and experienced family dentist who gladly offers a wide range of services, ensuring convenience, comprehensive care, and a personalized approach for every family member.
WHAT IS YOUR DENTAL PHILOSOPHY AT THORNTON VALLEY DENTAL?
We believe that in order to give our patients the best possible care, we have to take a comprehensive approach and truly listen to their concerns. Our practice values preventive treatment in conjunction with evidence-based techniques. We utilize the newest technology to give our patients the best experience possible and the most effective treatment.
HOW DO YOU MAKE DENTAL VISITS LESS STRESSFUL FOR CHILDREN AND ANXIOUS PATIENTS?
Every patient is unique and requires a different approach. Our first goal is to gain our patients' trust by providing good communication and getting to understand our patients' concerns. We take our time to explain our recommendations by showing patients their radiographs and pictures. We also provide a comfortable setting where patients can watch their favorite Netflix show while getting their treatment completed.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO PREVENTATIVE DENTAL CARE FOR YOUR YOUNGEST PATIENTS?
Helping our kids develop good oral habits at a young age can make a big difference in the overall quality of their lives. We believe in having patients come in before age one so we can help them develop good habits from the start and show parents and kids proper oral hygiene techniques. This also allows them to get used to us and our office and sets up the routine of six-month dental visits at an early age.
WHAT SHOULD PARENTS LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A FAMILY DENTIST?
Choosing a dentist who is right for you and your family is an important decision. The relationship between a dentist and a patient is built on mutual respect and trust and should be made with care. We recommend looking at the range of services provided, evaluating the environment and technology the office offers, and deciding if their oral health values line up with yours.
With Optional 4-Night Barcelona And Costa Brava Pre-Tour Extension 15 Days! (Space is limited) 20 Meals (13 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 5 Dinners)
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Seville Walking Tour or Guadalquivir River Boat Ride and much more!
Round-Trip Airfare Included!
Three Departure Dates to Choose from: October 12th, 19th, or 26th
Scan Code for More Information!
Dreams Renewed
The Healing Power of Grant a Dream Foundation
“For better or for worse; in sickness and in health.” When Aaron and Mandy Sellen stood together as bride and groom under a bright August sun in 2009, they could hardly have imagined what their vows would mean for the journey to come.
Fifteen years and three beautiful children later (Clive, age 12; Elenore, age 6; and Desmond, age 5), the Sellens’ daily life is far from typical. Early on, countless hospital visits revealed Clive has a rare genetic condition that comes with a long list of other conditions. “Clive doesn’t sleep well due to seizure activity,” Mandy says, “and the constant screaming can give us anxiety, so we’re working on ways to find calm and teach our [neurotypical] daughter some healthy ways to handle all the noise.”
In July 2020, little Desmond was diagnosed with the same genetic condition as Clive. Aaron and Mandy were left with the seemingly unbearable truth that they now have two kids with a disease affecting fewer than one thousand people in the U.S. “It’s been difficult,” Mandy says. “Aaron and I do the best we can to keep our marriage going.”
That’s when the couple reached out to Grant a Dream Foundation. Hearing their story, Grant a Dream sent Aaron and Mandy on an all-expense-paid beach
getaway to Florida. “The trip was a huge blessing,” Aaron says, “and helped us get refreshed as caregivers. For me personally, it’s a reminder we need that time and we have to make it a priority.” Mandy adds, “As caregivers it’s important that, as a team, we’re connected and able to communicate, and this dream getaway gave us that chance.”
Founded in 2017, Grant a Dream Foundation is a Broomfield-based 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose vision is to see all caregiver parents find the renewal they need. Grant a Dream’s ongoing mission is to reduce caregiver burnout by sending the parents of chronically ill and special needs children on rejuvenating dream getaways.
Grant a Dream exists to give these “hidden heroes” a chance to feel normal again and encourages them to do so on a regular basis for the rest of their caregiver journey. “These dreams,” Founder Ann Townsend writes, “are not just about a fleeting, happy moment. They’re about showing these beautiful souls, these precious parents who deserve it most, how to dream again.”
Grant a Dream needs you! Visit grantadream.org to learn more about how to get involved.
ARTICLE BY DERIK
TIMMERMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
STEPHANIE
FASSLER
PHOTOGRAPHY
