NN May 2022 – Page 2 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

19 May

SHERIDAN, WYOMING MEMBERS MAKE A WORLDWIDE IMPACT

By Jon Roberts – Sheridan, Wyoming … The small Sheridan Adventist Church in northern Wyoming recently raised $1300 to purchase and send radios through Adventist World Radio to spread the love of Jesus to individuals in remote villages

The Adventist World Radio program gives the local church the opportunity to reach beyond their community with God Pod Solar Radios. According to the world church website, God Pod Radios are “A small device roughly the size of an iPod that can store up to 160 hours of audio content used to bring the gospel to remote people groups.”

Sheridan church board member Darlene Westbrook recalls how the small church heard about the program and got involved. “Several months ago, Jack and Wanda Webb from Cody, Wyoming, presented a program on the God Pod Solar Radios. We were all excited to hear that we could help spread God’s message to these remote villages in their own languages.”

She added, “They [the people in remote villages] could hear sermons, have the Bible read to them and hear Christian music and so much more. A few months later, it was presented to the church board that we should do a fundraiser for our outreach program with donations coming from our church members for one month.”

The goal was to purchase as many radios as possible. However, they knew this would be a problem with the radios costing $40 each and with a membership that is older than most churches.

“We are a small church with about 20 devoted members out of a membership of 52. We are an aging church with one 32-year-old, four members in their late 50s, and the rest are 70 to 94 on a fixed income,” said Westbrook.

The members, wishing to see the gospel spread, donated what they could, and the church board voted to match donations through their evangelism fund.

Westbrook commented, “A sign was made to keep us up on the progress. We collected $615 and with the church match, equaled $1300. It is so exciting to watch God at work with our pocketbooks. Many of our members were sad when the month was up and would have liked to have it go on a little longer.”

The members’ prayer is that God will bless many with hearing His word and readying them for His Kingdom. They are excited to share God’s word with these remote areas where no radio signals are available.

Westbrook adds that the small church has a new fundraising project for May–Ukraine. “We are two weeks in, and $459 has been collected so far. We have two more weeks to go, and the church board has voted to match the money donated with funds from our evangelism funds.”

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photo by Darlene Westbrook

18 May

FLYING TENTS, FREEZING BATHS, AND A MEAL OF DUST

RMCNews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Parents waved and cameras flashed as 26 donut-stuffed students and a handful of teachers and volunteers headed out, vehicles overloaded with tents, sleeping bags, and food, destined for Moab, Utah to camp under the stars, raft, and appreciate God’s nature on the annual eighth-grade class trip.

The expedition started out uneventfully, with the long drive to Moab where they would set up camp. Spirits were high until it came time to set up the three 12-man tents. Unfortunately, the wind deflated the hopes of an easy setup, but the class was determined to get the job done. The wind, though, was not finished and proved too much to handle, resulting in the tents being torn over the next few days, and causing the need to leave the campsite a day early to stay at a hotel.

Before leaving, students found time to hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery found only in Moab. Rafting down the river was a first for many and while the rafting was mostly uneventful, an unexpected meet-up with a water rapid caused teacher Christina Hernández and the two students riding in her raft to fall overboard. The only resulting injury was to Hernández’s backpack.

By then, the class was done battling high winds, flying tents, bathing in freezing cold water, and having their mouths filled with dust. The vote was made to turn their torn-tent homes into cozy rooms and warm showers at a local hotel.

Logen, an eighth-grader, summed up his feelings in a text to his mom by saying, “Greatest shower ever.”

The next day, their continuing adventure found them hiking and journeying to Glenwood Springs, where the students spent the night and woke up to enjoy a morning swim in the hot springs before returning home.

Reflecting on the adventure, Lindsey, eighth-grader said, “My favorite part about the trip was the fact that we were in the water most of the time. All of us would play around and splash each other. I loved how we all worked together to put up the tents for the first two nights and how we all couldn’t wait for the hotel beds.”

She continued, “We all bonded and appreciated all the fun that we had. This trip is definitely a big memory that’s going to be with us forever.”

Andrew Carpenter, MHA principal, commented on the adventure. “It was a good time had by all. We are grateful for the time together, laughing and appreciating the break from school to explore Moab. A shoutout to Mrs. Hernández and Pastor Jamey Houghton for working so hard to make this trip special for the kids.”

–RMCNews; photo supplied

This article was adapted from a social media post on Mile High Academy’s Facebook page.

17 May

The Sunshine Vitamin: Vitamin D Deficiency

By AdventHealth — Whether you live in the eternally sunny state of Colorado or face long, grey winters, vitamin D deficiency is more common than you think. In fact, about 42% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. If you’re looking for more information on the causes, symptoms and treatments for vitamin D deficiency, you’ve come to the right place.

Vitamin D 101

Vitamin D is one of the many important vitamins we need to keep our bodies healthy. It helps keep bones strong by absorbing calcium, aids in your mood and works with your parathyroid glands to regulate your blood and vital organs.

Vitamin D is unique because your skin produces it by using sunlight, which is why it is often called the Sunshine Vitamin.

Symptoms and Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency means you do not have enough vitamin D in your body. There is no single cause for deficiency, but studies have found that fair-skinned individuals and those who are younger, such as children or teenagers, convert sunshine into vitamin D more efficiently than those who are darker-skinned or over the age of 50. Other causes of vitamin D deficiency include:

Having a chronic kidney or liver disease
Having hyperparathyroidism
Living far from the equator or in regions with little to no sunlight
Not eating fish or dairy
Staying or working indoors for long periods
Using medications that affect vitamin D metabolisms, such as certain laxatives or steroids

A deficiency can impact your body in many ways, such as:

Bone pain
Cancer
Cognitive impairment
Fatigue
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Mood changes, like anxiety or depression
Muscle weakness or cramps
Severe asthma in children

Children who are vitamin D deficient can also have severe asthma, incorrect growth patterns and deformities in joints.

Treatment Options

Eating more foods that contain vitamin D, like salmon or egg yolks, and getting some extra sunlight throughout your day can help gradually increase your vitamin D production and help minimize your symptoms. If you are suffering from a great deficiency, your doctor may recommend you take vitamin D supplements.

Vitamin D comes in two forms: D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 comes from plants, while vitamin D3 comes from animals. You will need a prescription to get vitamin D2, but vitamin D3 is available over-the-counter. Talk to your doctor to determine if you need to take a vitamin supplement, how much to take and which one will work best for you.

Helping You Feel Whole Again

If you are experiencing any vitamin D deficiency symptoms, we can help. Schedule a lab appointment today to find out if you lack vitamin D, and talk with your doctor to find the best course of action to increase your vitamin D production. With onsite labs with quick results, we’ll help you feel whole in no time.

–AdventHealth; photo supplied

This article was originally published on AdventHealth’s website

12 May

CHALLENGES, HOPES, AND THE FUTURE OF RMC EDUCATION – PART 3

We conclude our three-part series on RMC education with this entry. In this installment, we focus on our two academies–our boarding academy, Campion, and our day academy, Mile High. We asked Diane Harris, RMC education director, and Paul Negrete, associate director, how the academies are performing and about the future of the schools.

NN: Looking at our boarding academy Campion, how is the enrollment?

Diane Harris: Campion has grown.

Paul Negrete: The enrollment changed a little bit after January. They had a slight drop in enrollment, but I believe they were in the 150s and are now in the 140s. The trend, though, is continuing to increase.

NN: Campion Academy students have faced a very difficult year with the pandemic disrupting schedules and causing a brief disruption in normal activities and the tragic passing of Timothy Dien. What are some of the steps RMC education is taking to ensure the mental health of students is a priority?

Diane Harris: The immediate response after the loss of Timothy was to make sure that we were all working together to provide mental health support for them. There were local counselors who stepped up, and then the conference made a commitment that any child who wanted counseling from a licensed counselor in the area would have access. Currently, there are over ten students receiving weekly counseling to support them through the transitions and the difficulties of this year.

NN: Mental health awareness and well-being are important. Are there plans to provide mental health counselors to all students and teachers in the future?

Diane Harris: I’m excited that Mid-America Union applied for a grant that would provide services to our students, teachers, and their families through a licensed counselor, and the grant was approved. We are bringing in a licensed counselor to present to our teachers what will be provided for them next year.

NN: Our day academy Mile High has faced several challenges over the last few years. This year welcomed a new principal. How’s enrollment with all the challenges teachers and students went through the last few years.

Paul Negrete: There’s been an increase in enrollment. They weren’t sure what was going to happen from last year to this year, but God blessed. It was a steady increase throughout the year and they ended up higher than their targeted goal. They are at 217. For next year, they’re being conservative and showing a very small growth.

NN: RMC financially funds Campion Academy with it being the boarding academy. How does RMC financially support Mile High Academy?

Diane Harris: The conference supports their entire program; however, our subsidy per teacher costs primarily supports the elementary school (K-8 grade).

NN: Mile High Academy is facing a serious teacher shortage with multiple openings. Should the members be concerned with a high number of openings at one school?

Paul Negrete: If there was a problem, and people were jumping ship, we would be concerned. The openings were like a convergence of different circumstances that were personal life circumstances. A new baby and a family, and then some were for their families, and that transition was a part of what was happening. When we see this taking place all at one time, and we see that teachers are tearful and saying, I would love to stay, but God is calling me elsewhere. Then we also believe that God is opening that door because something else is about to happen.

If He’s opening the door for them to what looks like a void, it means that He’s opening the door because he’s bringing someone, and we’re pretty excited about that.

NN: There have been some financial challenges at Mile High Academy over the last several years, with two of the constituent churches decreasing their financial support of Mile High Academy. How is MHA fairing financially?

Diane Harris: I would say the last two years have shown the strongest finances Mile High has had in many years.

Paul Negrete: 2019 was the most challenging year, but the community pulled together. The administration did a very good job of putting the need out there and talking to the community. The last two years, there’s been no debt to the conference.

NN: Most of the academies are either heavily focused on sports or music as their extra- curricular emphasis. What is RMC doing to ensure we are reaching students who are interested in sports or music?

Diane Harris: I think the beauty of our staff is that they look at their students and asks themselves, “Are they artists, or can they build something?” Campion does a really good job in the fine arts and industrial arts program. MHA features their artist at their fundraisers by selling their art.

Paul Negrete: I think we are looking to build our schools, so one of the future plans is building self-navigation programs for students where they can communicate their interests and teachers can be responsive and support their unique journey. Every student’s passion can be supported at school. That’s really an important step forward because it breaks down the barrier of having silos of students who participate in certain activities and others who are alienated.

NN: What do you want members to know about the future of education in RMC?

Paul Negrete: That our teachers are serious professionals that want to grow in their profession. They believe in the ministry of Adventist education, and they believe in the ministry of bringing people to Christ. We see ourselves as an extension of the church, and we’re doing our job every day, and we’re serious about it, and we want to improve in it. We want to grow our church.

NN: Thank you Diane and Paul for an informative interview about RMC education.

RMCNews; photo supplied

12 May

Campion Sophomores return to Moab to study biology

By Elizabeth Jureckova – Moab, Utah … The Campion sophomore classrooms and dorm rooms were empty during the first week of May as the students enjoyed spending five days of outdoor education in Moab, Utah.

The annual trip, after a two-year hiatus, was filled with hiking, swimming, and exploring.

Reflecting on the trip, Ruth, a sophomore, commented, “Moab was absolutely fantastic! We did a whole lot of hiking which was really fun, yet tiring.”

When they arrived at what was to be their home for the next five days, the first item on the agenda was setting up camp before relaxing the rest of the day by rafting. The following day the education began with identifying different flowers and plants while hiking in nature.

“We went to a delicate arch and trekked along several paths gaining many blisters along the way. We also went to Faux Falls on one of the days. On Saturday, some of us went on a sunrise hike which was quite a sight to experience,” Ruth added.

Learning and having fun weren’t the only items on the agenda as building lifelong bonds with classmates and creating memories were also high on the list, according to Ariana, sophomore. “I’m really glad I went to Moab with my class. It was a great bonding experience that I’m glad I didn’t miss out on. We had fun having water fights in the rafts and playing endless card games. We hiked so much, and it was fun to see Mr. Kast beat everyone up the trail, jogging half the time.”

Natanya, sophomore, went into the week anxious. “I have been waiting since freshman year to go to Moab,” explained Natanya; “Honestly, I was kind of nervous to go because I didn’t know what to expect.”

She added that “once I got to Moab, it was literally magical. I had so much fun with my whole class. It was truly a bonding experience our class really needed. Seeing the sunsets and sunrises on the arches was so beautiful. Camping in tents and staying up late at night was definitely the best. From exhausting hikes to eating s’mores on Saturday night, I couldn’t have made better memories with my friends and classmates.”

–Elizabeth Jureckova is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

11 May

ADVENTURER FUN DAY RETURNS AFTER A TWO-YEAR ABSENCE

RMCNews with Brent Learned – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy was full of laughter, fellowship, and the sounds of 130 children, 6-9 years old, as Adventurer clubs from around Rocky Mountain Conference gathered May 1 for the annual Adventurer Fun Day.

A program for kids ages 6-9, Adventurers get together weekly or biweekly to develop friendships, learn about Jesus, and build skills similar to those learned in Pathfinders but age-appropriate for younger kids.

Everyone was excited to gather again and expressed their happiness. “This was the first Fun Day event after COVID, and it was awesome seeing the smiling faces of the Adventurers again,” said Serena Laubscher, RMC Adventurer coordinator.

Fun Day started with Adventurers lining up by club outside the gymnasium for a parade. They marched club by club, proudly displaying their own unique banner for all to see into the gym. Following the parade, clubs stood together and sang the Adventurer song, followed by a nature-themed worship given by Adventurer coordinator David Graham.

Then it was time to celebrate by presenting trophies and awards to the clubs who had worked diligently to earn at least 1,000 points for their participation in various ministry and outreach events throughout the year and who had demonstrated exceptional club attendance.

After celebrating their achievements, it was time for the kids to enjoy lunch by visiting the food booths set up by four clubs, selling delicious foods ranging from tamales to cotton candy. The booths were a great opportunity for clubs to raise money to support their future activities and ministry.

Following lunch, Adventurers rotated through activity stations where they could make art and craft projects at several indoor stations or run relay races, kick a soccer ball, and play other active games.

As the Adventurers departed Campion Academy, the kids talked with old friends and new acquaintances about how much fun they had learning, eating, and playing together at Fun Day.

Reflecting on the event, Brent Learned, RMC assistant youth director, said, “Serena Laubscher and David Graham, along with several other Adventurer and Pathfinder leaders, did such a great job organizing and running a wonderful Fun Day event so kids could have fun growing in Christ together.”

— RMCNews with Brent Learned; photos supplied

11 May

AHU DENVER HOLDS FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY

By Katie Shaw – Littleton, Colorado … Thirty-one students graduated from AdventHealth University (AHU) Denver on May 3. The ceremony, held at Littleton Adventist Church, was the first in-person commencement for the Denver campus.

All graduates were healthcare-focused and their areas of focus included sonography, nursing, and radiography.

“The AHU Denver faculty and staff were so excited to be able to celebrate with our students at this graduation event,” said Katie Shaw, AHU Denver Chief Operations Officer. “The majority of our graduates began their programs at the beginning of COVID and were remote for the better part of two years, so to celebrate in person was extra special.”

Barbara Nelson, EdD, RN, retired vice chair of Nursing for AHU Denver, delivered the keynote address titled “The Reason for the Hope We Have.” She affirmed the graduates for their choice to serve their community amid a pandemic. She reminded them that they will have the unique opportunity to be Christ’s hands to their patients as they enter hospitals and clinics to serve.

Chaplain Dany Hernandez, Director of Mission Integration at Porter Adventist Hospital, offered the invocation for graduation. Chaplain Hernandez has been an adjunct professor with AHU for more than ten years, teaching many of the graduating students a course called Philosophy of Healthcare.

AHU President and CEO Edwin Hernandez, Ph.D., based in Florida, attended and performed the graduation ceremony and official degree conferral. Dr. Hernandez charged the graduates to “live lives of devotion to God and concern for your fellow human beings; to be true witnesses in the world to the One who has made and redeemed you.”

AHU Denver graduates achieve above-average pass rates on national licensure exams, and nearly all gain employment within the Centura Health system upon graduation.

For more information on AdventHealth University Denver and its academic programs, please visit www.ahu.edu/denver.

–Katie Shaw, AHU Denver Chief Operations Officer; photos supplied

10 May

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children

By AdventHealth … In our modern world of earbuds, headphones, surround sound and electronic versions of everything, life can get pretty noisy. We don’t always think about how these sounds affect our hearing in the long run, especially for the littlest ears.

Noise-induced hearing loss can occur if your little ones are exposed to loud noises for long periods. While that may sound scary, the good news is that it’s preventable. We’re here with all you need to know about this specific kind of hearing loss in kids and how to protect the most sensitive ears.

What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is sensory deafness caused by long-term exposure to a noisy environment. Auditory fatigue can happen temporarily, such as at a rock concert, and hearing can gradually recover after leaving the loud environment. However, staying in a noisy environment for a prolonged period can permanently impair hearing, which is especially concerning for children.

What Causes Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Societal changes mean that people are more likely to be exposed to noise on a regular, ongoing basis. While damage to the inner ears can happen from sudden, extremely loud noises like an explosion, it’s the cumulative effect of exposure to excessive noise that we might now consider “white noise,” (such as a lawnmower outside) that can gradually damage hearing.

Most children and teens use earbuds and headphones to listen to music and participate in online school activities. Now, more than being exposed to outside noise, our kids are streaming loud sounds directly into their ears. They may not show the signs immediately, but without taking precautions, their hearing and quality of life could be affected later in life.

Symptoms of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Difficulty hearing is the main symptom of noise-induced hearing loss. Your child may have symptoms like:

Buzzing or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Normal conversation may sound muffled or unclear
Trouble hearing soft or faint sounds

How to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

The best thing you can do is to protect your children from loud noises. That may seem like a daunting task since noises like these are all around us:

Appliances such as hair dryers, food processors or blenders
Concerts, sporting events and movie theaters
Equipment such as leaf blowers and lawnmowers
Music from smartphones with the volume turned up too high
Power tools
Televisions turned up too loud
Traffic or subway noise

Think about keeping the volume low on the TV, radio and other listening devices, teaching your children to keep their volume at a reasonable level when listening to their headphones or earbuds, and limiting how often they use them.

Also, we typically think of earphones as noise-inducing, but noise-canceling earphones or earbuds are great to protect children’s ears if you’re at a noisy event or there is something loud going on outside. They’re also great for children who are extra sensitive to loud noises when visiting lively places like theme parks or festivals.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice hearing loss symptoms in your child, it’s best to visit their health care provider. Your child’s doctor will ask questions about their hearing and do an examination with close attention to the ears. Your child may be referred for hearing testing.

At AdventHealth, our world-class pediatric providers specialize in childhood diabetes, allergies, cancer, neurology and more. We’re here for every milestone and growing pain, supporting your child’s healthy growth through evidence-based, whole-person medical treatments for kids at every age and stage.

Learn more about our pediatric care for healthier, happier kids.

–AdventHealth; photo supplied

This article was originally published on AdventHealth’s website

09 May

REFLECTING ON PAT CHAPMAN’S 25 YEARS OF SERVICE

By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … Many changes have happened in the last 25 years; but one thing that hasn’t changed for RMC education is Pat Chapman, administrative assistant for education.

At the end of April, Chapman announced she was retiring at the end of the school year in order to spend more time with her family. She has seen many changes in RMC, working under three education directors and four RMC presidents and seeing technological advances that weren’t even being thought of when she began her work in RMC.

For Chapman, the current technology has been the biggest change. “When I started here,” Chapman explains, “probably two or three times a week, I would send out a hundred envelopes of information. Now I do it with one click of the computer.”

Her greatest joy and what she will miss the most is the opportunity to work with the teachers. “They have allowed me not to just work for them, but they’ve just involved me in their families and their work.”

For the teachers, Chapman is more than just an administrative assistant. She is a voice of encouragement and hope. “We teachers could not do half of what we do if it weren’t for Pat’s endless support. Pat ‘gets us’ and provides such outstanding support to us that we are left super-charged to press forward with a fresh amount of enthusiasm. Thank you, Pat, for being used by the Holy Spirit to educate His children for eternity. We will miss you dearly,” said Jodie Aakko, headteacher at Brighton Adventist Academy.

Jami Dove, second through fourth-grade teacher at Intermountain Adventist Academy, echoed Aakko’s sentiments. “I remember back to my first teaching job straight out of college. Pat was the first person to greet me when I entered the conference office to complete the new hire paperwork. Her smile put me at ease. She showed me how to use the laminator in the workroom, and she gave me a welcome package of goodies. Upon returning to teach in RMC some 15 years later, it felt like coming home to be welcomed once again by Pat’s warm smile.”

Chapman is well known for going the extra mile to assist teachers and letting them know they are appreciated.

Reflecting on Chapman’s ministry, Ed Barnett, former RMC president, commented, “Nothing made Pat happier than to spoil and love the teachers all over this conference. She would go out of her way to find nice things to do for the teachers, especially when they would have their retreat just before the school year began each year.”

According to Diane Harris, RMC education director, “Pat has been more than just administrative office support; she has been a friend, confidant, and cheerleader for the teachers in RMC. Her love for Jesus and her heart for ministry is evident in every conversation, and she will be missed.”

Lonnie Hetterle, former RMC education director, reflected on the impact Chapman has had on his life and the lives of so many teachers. “When I first met Pat Chapman nearly 30 years ago, I had no idea of the impact she would have on not only my life. but the lives of countless teachers, administrators, parents, students, and so many others. There are many adjectives that come to mind that I associate with Pat, but probably the one that stands out is ‘caring.’”

He added, “Over the years that I have worked with Pat, I have been impressed with her endless desire to be of service and to make a positive difference in the lives of those she comes into contact with. She has displayed in her life the ‘hands and feet of Jesus.’ Through her many talents, she has touched many families and individuals, given them hope and encouragement, and pointed them to Jesus.”

Chapman’s other passion is cooking and eagerness to host countless office and executive committee lunches and retirement parties.

Don Reeder, Campion Academy principal recalls meeting Chapman for the first time by partaking in a meal she had made. “My first connection with Pat was when I asked ‘Who prepared this fantastic meal.’ She was so good at feeding others. Then I got to know who she was and how she cared so deeply for the teachers and staff of RMC. She worked tirelessly to make sure programs were well planned and executed. I was struck by the flair she would always bring to any occasion. Things like, nice packaging, thoughtful snacks, and colorful decorations. I am proud to have served with Pat in RMC. I will miss her.”

Hetterle commented, “The Rocky Mountain Conference will never be quite the same without ‘ketchup loaf, chicken salad sandwiches, and that wonderful soup that inspires people to fellowship and helps them to feel that they are in a safe place. As Pat retires, we all wish her the very best and want to give her the biggest thank-you ever for her years of life-impacting service and total dedication.

Dove said one of her memories was Chapman randomly showing up on the Western Slope to serve hot lunch to the entire school. “She just has a way of making people feel comfortable.”

Barnett said, “I have worked in six conferences, and I don’t recall a conference that put more TLC into their teachers than the Rocky Mountain Conference. Pat, you will be sorely missed! But I want to congratulate you on your retirement and [hope you] have fun with your kids and grandchildren.”

Chapman wants to be remembered as a servant leader. “There is a quote by Maya Angelou,” she explains that reads, “‘People will not remember what you said or what you did, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.’ And I hope that when people remember me, they remember me for taking care of them, for being interested in them. I feel like I’m a servant leader, and I want people to know that I cared for them.”

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photo by Jon Roberts

05 May

FUN RUN PAYS OFF FOR IAA

By Sandi Adcox – Grand Junction, Colorado … The numbers are in, and they exceeded expectations from last month’s Elevate Kids fun run in Grand Junction. Intermountain Adventist Academy (IAA) and Kids Aid split the $14,000 raised by the event.

IAA plans to use its share of the profits to help expand the school and to offer ninth and tenth grades in the 2022 – 2023 school year.

Elevate Kids, a non-profit organization created by IAA board chairman, Doug McCaw II, and his wife, Melinda, aims to “help kids one step at a time.” Their first fundraiser was a documentary, “Chasing the Sky,” capturing the McCaw’s 490-mile, 18-day run on the Colorado Trail in July 2020.

The second fundraiser (the Fun Run on April 10) was a huge success, with 255 registrants participating in a timed run with options for a 2.5K, a 5K, or a 10K race, and supported by many local sponsors and volunteers.

Elevate Kids’ next fundraising event is scheduled for July 2022, when the McCaw’s will again run the Colorado Trail, setting out to break the fastest-known time in approximately seven days. Another documentary, “Chasing the Sky Again,” will be created, with proceeds going to IAA and Kids Aid.

With the success of the Fun Run, organizers are already planning the 2023 Fun Run for April 16, 2023

— Sandi Adcox is a Grand Junction Adventist Church member and Elevate Kids Run team member; photos supplied

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