When a child is diagnosed with a difficult medical condition, the effects are felt by their entire family. On top of the physical effects, children are often scared and anxious about all the doctors visits and endless treatments. Parents often experience a loss of income as they take time to care for their child, making everyday expenses like rent and groceries suddenly overwhelming. With attention focused on the sick child, siblings often struggle to find their place, all the while dealing with the stress of watching their sibling fight through their illness. The impacts of all the stress begin to take a toll, but that's where we come in. With your support, Rocky Mountain Children's Health Foundation can help alleviate some of the financial, emotional, and physical stress families feel, giving the kids a chance to just be kids again.

Take Kaiden and his mom Taylor, for example. Before Kaiden was even born, Taylor found out he had a congenital heart defect that would require two major open heart surgeries.

At just 8 months old, Kaiden had his first open heart surgery, but that was only the beginning. Extensive follow-up, including regular sessions with speech, physical, and occupational therapists, follow-up appointments with cardiologists, EKGs, echocardiograms, and lab tests filled their family's days.

And then, amidst it all, their worst nightmare happened: Kaiden's father unexpectedly passed away, just two months before Kaiden was scheduled to have his second open heart surgery. Seven-months pregnant with their second child, Taylor suddenly had to find a way to support her family alone, all the while dealing with serious emotional trauma. Financial stress from staggering medical bills and a sudden loss of income piled up and her mental health declined. As she battled depression and struggled to cope as a newly single mother, she needed to pay her bills, but couldn't afford it.

This overwhelming burden escalated into crisis when Kaiden was rushed to the emergency room and immediately hospitalized for bacterial meningitis. What they thought would be a short hospital visit became a long-term residence for the two months Kaiden fought for his life. The meningitis left Kaiden deaf, requiring cochlear implants to restore his hearing.

But in their time of need, our community was there for them. Together with our donors, we provided support for critical expenses so Taylor could spend her time with Kaiden, free from financial stress.

Sadly, Taylor's family is not alone. So many families are experiencing significant financial and emotional struggles while trying to provide the best care possible for their children. But together, we can help. Whether it's offering a family like Kaiden's financial support, connecting a family with a companion animal to see them through tough times, or providing donor human milk to infants in need of its life-saving benefits, we are there for them how and when they need it most.

Join us in making a meaningful impact on these families by supporting Rocky Mountain Children's Health Foundation today.