It now seems all so surreal, standing there next to the tiny bed, where your child lies with tubes connected seemingly everywhere, machines beeping in the background, and nurses and doctors hustling back and forth. The feeling of impotence is simply overwhelming. 

But as the days went by, things started to look up, moving out of the ICU we seemed to settle into a daily routine of “trips” riding on the red wagon, visits to the activity room for coloring or to play video games. The visit from Santa was a pleasant surprise as well. 

Hospital stays, especially lengthy ones, can be very challenging for the whole family, but especially for a child who must stay there as a patient. Many of these children are forced to mature before their time, even though they understand so little yet. Through it all, a bright spot in such a trying time for us was the caring staff at Children’s Hospital Colorado. I can’t say that they simply did “their job”, because I truly believe that they were answering a higher calling. A call not only to heal, but to care for and bring joy to children of all ages, social conditions, and origin. 

Unless you have had the need to seek the care of Children’s Hospital Colorado, it is hard to explain what a wonderful organization this is. While medical care is of the highest quality, what makes them different is how much attention they place on the mental wellbeing of the children there. From the Doctors and nurses, to the volunteers and attached organizations such as the “Make A Wish” foundation, they are all a blessing to so many families who find in them solace during an extremely trying time. 

Hoping to join in a small way to their wonderful mission, this year Colorado Karate Club is collecting toy donations for the young patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado, and I am personally asking our Brighton community to help us out. I know the families there really appreciate the generosity of those who find it in their hearts to give, even a little of themselves, to a child that they will probably never meet.

If you wish to donate, Children’s Hospital Colorado has asked us that due to infection control guidelines toys must be:

• Brand new and manufactured. 

• Items need to be in their original packaging.

• No toy guns or toys that depict violence (Nerf guns, figurines with guns/swords, military toys, etc.)

• No food products, potted plants, latex balloons.

• Infants/toddlers and adolescents are the age groups in greatest need.

We will be receiving donations Monday Through Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm at our Brighton School, 700 S. Main Street, through Wednesday, December 11th, 2024  and they will be delivered to the Hospital the following day. 

While I hope that none of your children may ever be in need of a lengthy stay at Children’s Hospital Colorado, I am thankful for their existence and for the wonderful way in which they fulfill their mission…and you would be too. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas Season - Sensei Willy Strohmeier and Colorado Karate Club Staff.