ARCH

Since moving to Colorado, I have been blown away by Colorado Children's Hospital. Doctors, therapists, facilities, and programs are available.

One of the programs we have Elliott involved in is ARCH (Adaptive Recreation for Childhood Health). This program focuses on helping children of all ability levels build confidence through sports and recreation. ARCH offers a wide range of services, including rock climbing, golf, horseback riding, fishing, water sports, adaptive skiing/winter sports, archery, fencing, yoga, and cycling.

From the beginning of Elliott's diagnosis, we have been adamant about teaching him and others that Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong condition that he has, but it is not something that defines him. ARCH teaches kids exactly that same message and provides services that are not readily available to anyone at such a young age.

Some of the programs offered, such as skiing and horseback riding, are for kids a bit older (8 years old), but what Elliott is eligible for, we have signed him up immediately. He has been able to do things such as rock climbing, golf, fencing, and later this summer will be sailing and fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Our family is a big fan of this program, and we will continue to support and work with them through the years. I look forward to seeing what more comes as Elliott gets older and more involved.

Building confidence through movement, trying new things, surrounding kids with others who have challenges, and creating a community of support are just some of the many perks we have already witnessed through ARCH.

However, to keep a program like this successful, fundraising is required. One of the largest fundraisers they host each year is a bike ride called The Courage Classic. This ride goes through Vail and Copper Pass in the Colorado Mountains. The event tagline is: "Join your community to create a better world for children, dollar by dollar, pedal by pedal, one mountain pass at a time."

As soon as Nathan heard about this opportunity, it was a no-brainer for him to join in on the fun and raise money for such an amazing cause. He joined the ARCH race team and will ride 80 miles over Vail Pass over two days. He has been taking long weekly bike rides to prepare for this major event and raise awareness of Elliott's journey. I couldn't be prouder of him.

We would appreciate your support if you are inclined to donate to his fundraising page. I have linked all the information here.

100% of the proceeds go back to ARCH to fund these amazing opportunities that Elliott and many others participate in throughout the year.

I will document and follow up with another post on the ride at the end of the month, so stay tuned for more, and thank you in advance for your support!

For more information on ARCH, please follow the link here.

If you don't live in Colorado and are looking for a program like this one, I encourage you to start with your local children's hospital. If they don't have anything, they would be able to point you in the right direction.**