Small Steps, Big Impact: Heather Edwards’ Journey to Giving Back

February 26, 2025

Denver Health’s Assistant Chief Paramedic, Heather Edwards, spent years on the front lines, seeing firsthand the challenges Denver residents face. She has witnessed families struggling, from patients navigating unexpected financial burdens to a child left with an ill-fitting car seat after an accident.

Reflecting on her early days in the field, Heather shares, “Being in our patient environment was eye-opening. As paramedics, we go into homes or even out on the street meeting people. We have a first-hand view of what our patients are experiencing day to day.”

Like many first responders, these up-close experiences deepened her commitment to supporting patients through their day-to-day needs. Over time, they also pushed her to help create long-term solutions to address community health.

Inspiration and impact

At first, Heather’s philanthropic journey seemed a simple one, born from the everyday realities of her work. Every shift brings a new story — a family in need, a patient struggling with safety concerns, or a community member lacking access to vital resources.

“Each small interaction made me realize that even a modest donation could provide a lifeline,” Heather explains.

“At first, it was such a small amount — paycheck to paycheck, it was something I could do financially. For me, it was kind of like ‘aim small, miss small.’ I started with just $5 or $10 a paycheck. Over time, I realized that even these modest contributions make a real difference.”

Heather realized what drives the Denver Health Foundation: the belief that every gift matters. And it does.

The Colfax Marathon

In 2010, Heather found a way to go bigger by launching a fundraiser tied to the Colfax Marathon, which crosses the metro area each spring on Colfax Avenue. What started as a seed of an idea to raise funds for children’s car seats has since grown into a celebrated annual event for Denver Health paramedics and other employees to contribute financially to Denver Health. It underscores both her commitment to community health and her colleagues’ desire to get involved.

“We organized relay teams, so you didn’t have to be a professional runner,” Heather recalls. “It was about getting together outside of work to do something good — for us and for our community.”

In addition to raising essential funds for car seats, Heather’s Colfax Marathon fundraiser highlights the urgent need for critical resources. Car seats are more than a convenience — they are a lifesaving necessity. Many families struggle to afford them, and after an accident, even a minor one, a damaged car seat may no longer be safe to use. Thanks to donors like Heather, Denver families who might otherwise go without can receive properly fitted, high-quality car seats to help their children travel safely.

Heather’s Colfax Marathon fundraiser demonstrates how creative, group initiatives can engage people’s philanthropic spirit and foster a shared sense of purpose that benefits the entire community. It’s just one example of how Denver Health Foundation helps bridge gaps in care through donor-driven programs that enable us to provide essential items — from medical equipment to everyday necessities — for patients in vulnerable situations.

Empowering donors

Denver Health has a 165-year history of meeting the community’s physical, social, and economic needs. As Heather puts it, “Your support enables Denver Health to invest in new technologies and help more people lead healthier lives.”

Denver Health Foundation’s transparent process gives donors confidence that their contributions are used wisely. Some may choose to support a specific initiative, like School-based Health Centers or the Patient Assistance Fund, while others make an unrestricted gift — allowing the Foundation to apply funds where they’re needed most. Either way, every dollar counts toward transforming community health.

For donors who may hesitate, wondering if their gift is “enough,” Heather offers a simple, empowering message: “Just do what you can. Start small, see what you can do, and if it feels good, continue. Working with the Foundation, you always have the opportunity to reassess and adjust your giving.”

With Denver Health Foundation as a trusted guide, donors join a community dedicated to eliminating disparities, reducing costs, and ensuring access to quality care for all.

Building a healthier future

Heather’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins with small, determined steps. Her experience as a paramedic has shown her that a single act of generosity — whether a gift of time, effort, or financial support — can make a lasting impact. Denver Health Foundation helps donors with diverse interests feel confident in their impact, making it possible for everyone to support innovative care, education, and research at Denver Health.

In Heather’s own words, “Don’t shy away from giving because you think it’s too little. Every small step builds towards a healthier Denver.” Her passion, creativity, and resilience are not only inspirational — they are a call to action.

Each contribution plays a role in shaping a healthier future. Denver Health Foundation can advise you on how you can join this journey, one small step at a time, and help create a community where exceptional care and wellness are accessible to all.

Learn more about how you can join Heather in supporting Denver Health Foundation by visiting our donation page.

Don’t shy away from giving because you think it’s too little. Every small step builds towards a healthier Denver.

Heather Edwards

Assistant Chief Paramedic, Denver Health

Small Steps, Big Impact: Heather Edwards’ Journey to Giving Back

In this Story:

Inspiration and impact

The Colfax Marathon

Empowering donors

Building a healthier future

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