ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION 

Arvada 

News: Just saying “thank you” was not enough when Teresa and Jimmy Opel and their infant son left HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children’s following a complicated procedure to correct an abnormality in his esophagus. 

The Opels wanted to make a more impactful expression of their gratitude, so they nominated their son’s healthcare team for the prestigious Cradling Heart Award given annually by the Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation. 

The selection committee agreed that the skill and compassion exhibited by Drs. James P. Brock, Kristin E. Shipman, and Timothy Hadley; Shandra Lazar, LCSW; Jami L. NoRunner, MS, LPC; and  Registered Nurses Anne Hettinger, Joy Twillman, and Amy Buteyn were indeed worthy of this recognition. 

The award will be presented Sept. 12 at the third Cradling Hearts Celebration held at Denver Botanic Gardens. 

Tickets for the 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception and silent auction are now on sale and may be purchased by visiting www.rmchildren.org/cradlinghearts 

Guests are encouraged to wear hats and other garden party attire. 

“Families facing pediatric health challenges often encounter unexpected emotional and financial stress,” said Cathy Sandoval, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation. “Sometimes support means providing comfort in a difficult moment, and other times it’s helping with critical needs like groceries or housing. Our partners on hospital and care teams are essential in connecting families with these resources and we’re proud to celebrate the difference they make.” 

The 2025 honorees, Sandoval added, are “Incredible healthcare professionals (who) embody the skill, compassion and commitment that define so many in the field. Their work reflects the highest standards of care we strive to support every day.” 

About the organization: The Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation provides financial assistance and resources to thousands of pediatric patients and their families every year, holding to the belief that no family should have to stress about essential needs while navigating the overwhelming experience of having an infant or child with a health condition.  

Website: rmchildren.org 

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