Supporting pediatric patients and their families since 2008.
Established in 2008, Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation (RMCHF) has been a steadfast source of support for children and their families during their child’s medical journey. From the very beginning, RMCHF has been dedicated to alleviating the burdens faced by these families, whether their child is facing a sudden injury or a chronic illness.
RMCHF was initially founded in tandem with the creation of Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (RMHC). Dr. Reginald Washington and the other 13 founding members of the hospital recognized the importance of allowing parents and caregivers to be present and focus on their child without the weight of daily stressors—and RMCHF was born.
While RMCHF initially concentrated its efforts on families at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (RMHC), its reach expanded significantly following HealthONE’s acquisition of the hospital in 2011.
After that transition, RMCHF extended its services to numerous hospitals across Colorado and assumed stewardship of Mothers’ Milk Bank (MMB), which had been in operation since 1984.
Since then, RMCHF has expanded its services to serve thousands of families each year through a myriad of programs. In 2012, it welcomed The Stink Bug Project, a companion dog adoption program that pairs well-trained dogs with pediatric patients and their families. In 2021, it introduced a second dog program, PAWS for RMHC, which provides emotional and therapeutic support to patients at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children by way of two loving facility dogs, Lemon and Posey.
Now based in Arvada, Colorado, RMCHF has continued to grow, supporting tens of thousands of families, distributing nearly 10 million ounces of donor human milk through MMB, and becoming a true pillar in the pediatric care community.
Impact in Action
For more than 15 years, Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation has supported children and their families through unimaginable health challenges. We’ve learned that even the smallest gesture can make a big difference during these challenging times.
Here’s a look at what Rocky Mountain Children's Health Foundation has been up to in recent years:
In partnership with PetSmart Charities and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, RMCHF launched its newest program, PAWS for RMHC, and introduced its first hospital facility dog, Posey.
Cathy Sandoval was appointed as RMCHF’s new Executive Director following Luanne Williams’s retirement.
RMCHF celebrated its 10th Annual Kaleidoscope Gala.
During the nationwide formula shortage, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced a unique partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank to help families across the state access donor human milk to feed their babies.
The Foundation hosted the first Cradling Hearts Celebration to honor community partners who make this work possible. The Child Life Team at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children received the inaugural Cradling Heart Award.
RMCHF establishes its first endowment.
RMCHF program, The Stink Bug Project, makes its 150th match.
Mothers’ Milk Bank celebrates 40 years of service to the community and distributed nearly 10 million ounces of donor human milk since its opening.
RMCHF expands PAWS for RMHC by adding a second facility dog, Lemon, to the program.
Keep up with the Foundation
Explore the latest news and updates about Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation, read about the families we serve, and learn about our impact on our blog.
Looking to the future
The team at RMCHF is honored to support pediatric patients and their families. We’re proud of the work we’ve done with our community partners and look forward to continuing to make a difference together. When we support these families, they can focus on what matters most: being there for their child.