New Grateful Patient Program launches at Boulder Community Health

“During my time at Boulder Community Health, I was surrounded by the kindest and most caring staff. Throughout my hospitalization I felt that they were trying their best to figure out how to help me recover after I got diagnosed with meningitis. Without their confidence in me and ongoing encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They always had smiles on their faces, which put a smile on mine. Whether it was my physical therapist that came in every day to help me sit up, my neurologist that recommended the correct course of treatment, or my nursing assistant trying to make me laugh; my experience at BCH will be one I will never forget because of the people there. I loved seeing the team that was caring for me because it gave me​ something to look forward to every day, during a time when there wasn’t much to look forward to. I want to thank everyone who was on my care team during my time at BCH - I am so grateful for them!”

-Nicole Briar, BCH Grateful Patient

When 20-year-old Nicole Briar was rushed to BCH via ambulance in spring 2022 with meningitis, neither she nor her parents anticipated the long journey to recovery ahead. After weeks in the Intensive Care Unit at Boulder Community Health, followed by a long rehabilitation at the UCHealth hospital in Broomfield, Nicole finally returned home to begin her recovery. This spring, Nicole graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, fully recovered and ready for the next phase of her life. Before her graduation, Nicole and her parents returned to BCH to express their gratitude to the care team that supported her during her hospitalization.

“I will never forget that fateful afternoon when we got the call that our daughter Nicole had to be rushed to the hospital. We found out she was brought to Boulder Community Health, a hospital we had never been to, nor did we have any relationships with. From the moment she arrived there, BCH was excellent. The team was attendant and wonderful, so for the next few weeks, as we essentially lived there, the care they provided could not have been better. We are forever grateful to the BCH care team for caring for our daughter and our family in this time of need.”

- Keith and Beverly Briar, parents of Nicole Briar

Nicole's story exemplifies the exceptional care provided daily by BCH caregivers. To express their gratitude, the Briar family donated the inaugural leaf to the Boulder Community Health Foundation’s Tree of Life. Symbolizing growth, connection, and wisdom, the Tree of Life pays tribute to the outstanding care provided by BCH caregivers to our patient community. Each leaf on the tree, set to be installed in fall 2024, can bear a personalized message honoring caregivers, commemorating loved ones, or celebrating hope and healing.

Ways to get involved at BCH as a Grateful Patient

Share Your Story

We love to hear about how BCH care teams have impacted you or your loved one in a meaningful way. Submit your story or connect with us at the BCH Foundation to learn how you can tell your story in our community.

Honor Your Caregiver

Show your appreciation by honoring a caregiver through a meaningful tribute. You can choose to:

• Donate to the BCH Foundation to support ongoing health care excellence.
• Dedicate a leaf on the BCH Foundation Tree of Life.
• Honor your caregiver with a "Show You Care" Gratitude Pin.

Your tribute gift not only honors your caregiver but also supports BCH in its mission to provide our community with the highest value health care in an innovative, patient-centric environment.

Volunteer

Apply for a rewarding position volunteering with BCH. When you volunteer, you enrich the lives of others and feel a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction. As a BCH volunteer, you can put your talents and experience to work for a good cause while becoming a part of a friendly, caring team and even explore possible health care careers. Learn More by visiting bch.org/volunteer.

BCH is a non-profit, community-based health system that relies on public support and advocacy. Since 1978, the BCH Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has raised over $80 million to advance health care in our community. In the last five years alone, the BCH Foundation has granted nearly $20 million to BCH, supporting vital capital projects and programmatic priorities.

Questions? Please reach out to the BCH Foundation Development Director: Beth Marchant at emarchant@bch.org or 303-415-5290.