Supporting families together
2024 has been a year of tremendous impact for Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation, made possible by the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and partners. As families navigate the growing challenges of rising costs while caring for a hospitalized child, your generosity has provided critical relief, allowing them to focus on their child’s health without added financial stress.
This year, we celebrated incredible milestones, including the 40th anniversary of Mothers’ Milk Bank and the expansion of our PAWS for RMC program with Lemon, our second facility dog, who joins Posey in providing comfort to pediatric patients. These achievements reflect the power of your commitment to our mission.
None of this would be possible without you. Your support ensures families receive essential resources like housing, groceries, and medical assistance during their most difficult moments. On behalf of our team and the families we serve, thank you for your generosity—we look forward to continuing this vital work together.
Cathy Sandoval
Executive Director
Our Year of Impact
PAWS for RMC Grows by Four Paws
Lemon joined Posey at the Child Life team as our second facility dog in the PAWS for RMC program, thanks to a generous grant from Shea’s Village Foundation. Working alongside the Child Life team at Rocky Mountain Children’s, Lemon and Posey help reduce stress and anxiety for children during treatment or hospital stays, offering companionship and emotional support when it’s needed most.
Mothers’ Milk Bank Celebrates 40 Years of Impact
In 2024, Mothers’ Milk Bank Celebrated 40 years of providing lifesaving donor human milk to babies in need. Since 1984, the milk bank has dispensed over 10 million ounces of milk, supporting fragile infants in hospitals and homes across the country. This milestone reflects the generosity of thousands of donors and the lasting impact of human milk on infant health.
Honoring NICU Nurses
When twins Everleigh and Scarlett arrived three months early, their NICU nurses provided expert care and steadfast support, especially through Everleigh’s surgeries and complications. At the same time RMCHF helped parents Brooke and Nick with gas and grocery cards, rental assistance, and holiday gifts, easing their burden as they cared for their daughters. At our 2024 Cradling Hearts Celebration, RMCHF honored incredible NICU nurses who make a difference for families like Brooke and Nick’s.
Diaper Drive Supports Hundreds
As part of September’s Diaper Need Awareness Month, we hosted a diaper drive with Carly Moore from Fox31/CW2. Thanks to an incredible communuity response, we ended up collecting around 17,500 diapers—enough for us to dispense for many months to come! The drive helped ensure families have enough diapers to keep their babies dry and clean and reduce health risks associated with soiled diapers.
Zen Den Unveiled
In August 2024, Rocky Mountain Children’s unveiled “Rowan’s Zen Den,” a peaceful space for NICU nurses and care teams at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children’s. Created in partnership with RMCHF, the Zen Den honors Rowan Endsley and the NICU staff who cared for him. Thanks to the generosity of Rowan’s parents, Sean and Shelley Endsley, this initiative provides a retreat for healthcare professionals to recharge, ensuring they can continue delivering the best care to the hospital’s tiniest patients.
19 Stink Bug Dogs (and a Reunion!)
In 2024, the Stink Bug Project welcomed 19 new Stink Bug dogs, each specially trained to support children facing medical challenges. These furry friends were each adopted into a family where they provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support, helping kids navigate difficult times with unconditional love.
In the fall, Stink Bug families from past and present came together for a special reunion, celebrating the bond between these incredible dogs and the children they support.
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