This year, that tribute was shared in a place already shaped by healing, gratitude, and connection: the Denver Health Trauma Survivors Fun Run.
Each year, the Fun Run brings together trauma survivors, families, caregivers, and Denver Health team members. Some people come to walk, run, or wheel. Others come to reconnect with the people who cared for them, remember what they have been through, and celebrate how far they have come.
At this year’s gathering on Saturday, June 6, at Berkeley Lake Park, Denver Health recognized nine Skyebird Educational Endowment recipients, selected from 25 nominations across the Trauma team.
The recipients represented a wide range of roles and departments, reflecting the many people whose work supports trauma care at Denver Health. This year’s recipients were:
- Jill Chisolm, Trauma and Emergency General Surgery APP
- Jeanine Currier, Surgical Specialties Outpatient Clinics Operations Manager
- Rebecca Ennis, Surgical and Trauma ICU and Emergency Medicine RN
- Michelle Godinez, Pediatric ICU Charge RN
- Marivel Ramirez, Health Educator
- Alison Santo, Outpatient Orthopedic Clinic Clinical Social Worker
- Emily Sosa, Emergency Medicine RN
- Lisa Wanger, Primary Care PA
- Malachi Zeitner, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Resident
Together, the recipients reflect the breadth of care, coordination, education, and support that make trauma care possible at Denver Health. Each award will help support an educational opportunity for a child or close loved one in the recipient’s family.
“The Skyebird Educational Endowment is a beautiful tribute to Skye and to the care her family experienced at Denver Health,” said Sean VanBerschot, Executive Director of Denver Health Foundation. “These nine recipients reflect the heart of the Trauma team, and the family’s donation honors not only the work they do for patients and families, but also the loved ones who support our trauma team every day.”
Through the Skyebird Educational Endowment, Skye’s memory continues through education, family, and support for the people who help make trauma care possible at Denver Health.
For the Trauma team, the award is a reminder that the care they provide can reach far beyond a single moment. It can become a lasting connection between patients, families, caregivers, and the community they serve.
