The power of community
As we reflect on 2025, we are filled with gratitude for this incredible community and the good we accomplished together. Time and again, you showed up for families facing some of the hardest moments of their lives, offering care, compassion, and hope when it was needed most. Together, we set extraordinary records, including the donation of one million ounces of milk through Mothers’ Milk Bank in a single year—an achievement that will nourish and protect countless fragile babies. We also launched Rowan’s Fund to support bereaved families and celebrated the adoption of the 180th Stink Bug Dog, bringing comfort and healing to children through treatment and beyond.
At the same time, the challenges facing families with children in the hospital continued to grow. The loss of funding for critical programs like SNAP, combined with rising housing and food costs, placed added strain on families already navigating medical crises, grief, and financial uncertainty. In the face of these challenges, our community stepped up in a powerful way—coming together to help close the gap and ensure families could still access essential support during their most vulnerable moments.
What makes these accomplishments truly special is the many ways you continue to show up. From gathering at the Kaleidoscope Gala, to hosting cocktail parties, to young supporters setting up lemonade stands, this community found countless creative ways to give back. On behalf of the entire team at Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation, thank you for believing in our mission, standing alongside the families we serve, and making a lasting difference. We are deeply inspired by your generosity and look forward to all we can achieve together in 2026.
Cathy Sandoval
Executive Director
Our Year of Impact
Our community in action
In 2025, our community showed up in extraordinary ways, turning generosity into action to support children and their families. Supporters not only attended events like Kaleidoscope, but also hosted their own fundraisers. From lemonade stands to intimate cocktail parties, and countless volunteers days, our supporters created meaningful, personal connections that fueled our mission and made a lasting impact.
Mothers’ Milk Bank receives one million magical ounces
In 2025, Mothers’ Milk Bank set an incredible record, receiving one million ounces of donated milk in a single year! This extraordinary new record was made possible by the generosity of more than 1,200 donors. We are incredibly grateful for the life-saving impact these donations will have, helping nourish and protect tiny babies in NICUs across the country when they need it most.
The care that carried Oliver
When Oliver was born with esophageal atresia, he needed emergency surgery right away. After an extended NICU stay, and several hospital admissions, bills started to pile up and his parents, Teresa and Jimmy, were overwhelmed. Through Patient and Family Assistance, RMCHF was able to provide the family with the support they needed so they could focus on Oliver.
“I feel like there’s a whole village behind us,” Teresa said. “We are so lucky for the support we’ve had.”
Summer toy drive supports the holidays
In July, our community came together in a big way for the RMCHF Toy Drive, donating over $2,000 worth of toys to support children and families in need. We are especially grateful to Fox31/CW for featuring RMCHF and championing the drive, helping ensure these gifts reached children in the hospital. It also helped stock our Holiday Store, which served over 200 families and more than 500 children this year, spreading joy throughout the season.
Over 180 Stink Bug dogs to date
In 2025, the Stink Bug Project celebrated a major milestone, with over 180 kid-and-dog duos since the program’s inception. This year, we matched and trained 10 new Stink Bug dogs, which provide long-term support for children. This program continues to create countless moments of joy, comfort, and companionship.
Some of our Stink Bug families joined us in June for the Stink Bug Project Family Reunion, sharing laughter, stories, and the special bonds that make this program so meaningful.
A Heart Full of Faith
Before Faith and her twin brother were born, their mom, Nicole, knew Faith would face challenges. Born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart condition, Faith required emergency surgery and ongoing care, leaving Nicole worried about rent and groceries.
In their hardest moment, RMCHF helped cover essential needs so Nicole could focus on her baby. Now two years old, Faith is full of life and joy. Nicole is deeply grateful for the support they received. “For us as a family we are so thankful,” she said. “When the money and gift cards are gone, what remains is what was given to us in our hearts—the peace of mind and the kindness of others.”
Supporting families through loss
In 2025, Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation partnered with Sean and Shelley Endsley to launch Rowan’s Fund in honor of their son Rowan Glenn Endsley. This fund supports families experiencing the unimaginable loss of a child ensuring they are met with compassion, resources, and financial assistance during their most difficult moments. In addition to family support, Rowan’s Fund recognizes that the care teams working with these families also need support and provides special grief and loss training for nurses walking along side these families.
Healthy Baby Summit
Our 2025 Healthy Baby Summit provided critical education to perinatal professionals and paraprofessionals. Focused on the theme Stronger Together: Empowering Community and Resilience in Lactation Support, this one-day conference was dedicated to advancing conversations around lactation and the fourth trimester. Speakers included Dr. Rosalba Ruiz Reyes, Kimberly Seals Allers, Dr. Andrea Nied, Dr. Matthew Olm, and Rebecca Heinrich, each offering important insights on the vital role of collaboration and resilience in fostering healthier outcomes for birthing parents and babies.
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