About

What drives me

My intense appreciation for all life drives the three themes that form my identity: conservation, volunteering for Make-A-Wish Colorado and long endurance adventures.

Conservation

I strongly believe that all live (human, flora, and fauna) should have a chance to thrive. I’m currently pursuing a masters of the environment degree at the University of Colorado to that I can work on impactful conservation projects. One of my mentors, Jean Smith, worked on conservation projects into her 90s. I spoke to Jean when she was 92 about a volunteer project for Wild Connections. She was just as passionate and spunky as when I had met her 30 years prior. I want to be like Jean.

Volunteer projects

My Make-A-Wish Connection

My connection to Make-A-Wish started with my cousin, Kathy. When I was twelve, Kathy died of a spinal tumor. She was only fourteen. It was a profound experience to witness the struggle that my cousin and Aunt endured. I still can’t even begin to imagine the pain my cousin and her entire family went through.

To provide joy to my cousin, we would roll her up and down the hospital halls in her wheelchair. At that time, Make-A-Wish was a relatively new organization. and was not an option for Kathy. To this day, I wish my cousin and her family could have received the support and experience that Make-A-Wish provides. This longing and the impact wishes have on children and families drive my involvement to support Make-A-Wish and their mission.

My Make-A-Wish Involvement

  • Make-A-Wish Donor since 2001

  • Make-A-Wish Wish Granter since 2021

    • Helped grant a child’s wish to go to LegoLand

    • Helped grant a child’s wish to go to Disney World

    • Helped grant a child’s wish to have his room decorated in a dinosaur theme.

    • Helped grant a child’s wish to go to Hawaii

  • Make-A-Wish volunteer since 2021

  • Make-A-Wish Wish Hero and fundraiser since 2024

Long Endurance