Shane (Organizer)
I have dealt with a myriad of health conditions for the past several years including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), as well as complications from pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs). I am now 24 and a full-time student. As a teenager, I aspired to play professional golf. However, my health interfered with this dream. As a result of my experiences as a patient, I am now pursuing a career in medicine in hope of impacting the lives of others with similar issues.
Chris (Co-Organizer)
Hi and welcome everyone! I am excited about creating this group and meeting you all. I see awesome potential to establish a helpful resource for all of us. I grew up in Aurora up until I went to CU Boulder. I am pursuing a career in healthcare.I was born with minor scoliosis (curve of spine). Growing up I was always an active kid. I had an injury that lead me to have back surgery. Although the surgery went well, my scoliosis has made a full recovery fairly challenging.
Katia (Assistant Organizer)
Hello all, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and was active with a disability group in college. Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Kodie (Assistant Organizer)
Hello, My name is Kodie, I am 27 and moved to Denver in May 2012. I have epilepsy, spastic CP, fibromyalgia, arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome and work at a montessori head start preschool as a toddler teacher. I look forward to meeting some new ppl! I manage pretty well, I don't let it get me down. I do the best I can with the cards I have been dealt. Great group that I am very happy I joined! I live in Denver with my husband and two cats! You can reach me at kvincent.twu@gmail.com or email all organizers at projecthopecolorado@gmail.com!
Zachary (Event Organizer)
My name is Zachary. I am 24 years old and have autism and a cognitive impairment. I would like to participate in the kinds of activities that typically functioning young adults do. I would like to participate in activities with other young adults. I am interested in learning about dating and relationships. Also, I would like to make a few good friends, so that my life will not be lonely.I have trouble processing information, so I need help to understand some things that typically functioning people understand. I don't drive, so I don't get out a lot. I wasn't educated as well as I should have been. On the other hand, because I don't have any inhibitions, I am very creative. I am an artist, working in abstract expressionism. I would like to meet some other creatives to share ideas with.Project Hope provides fun, relaxing, and interesting activities. I've made good friends here.
Patrick (Event Organizer)
Hi, my name is Patrick. I am relatively new to Denver. I developed Fibromyalgia after and injury. I have been dealing with chronic pain and related issues for the last several years. I look forward to meeting some actual peers who "get it" in PH.
Just excited to meet some folks who can relate to what life is like. I get really tired of feeling different and not being able to explain how my life is affected by my conditions.
Feel free to give a description of how your illness or disability has impacted your life. This is entirely optional and up to you if you would like to share.
It's changed everything in my life. I'm still trying to establish a "new normal". I can't ever just get up and go. Every time I leave the house requires a routine and a lot of forethought--nothing is as simple as was before. Everything takes longer. I run out of energy much faster than my friends. I need to take a lot of breaks, even from simple, run of the mill things. One good thing is that the pain has driven me to make some positive lifestyle changes. I do yoga, tai chi and am learning about vitamins and natural health remedies. I also eat a somewhat "Paleo" diet. These changes have made a HUGE impact in pain and ability to function. They've made it possible to enjoy my life in the midst of some pretty debilitating symptoms.
