Frank Craig Society Luncheon
November 13, 2008
On November 13th, the crisp fall day was a perfect backdrop for the first annual Frank Craig Society luncheon held at the Governor’s Mansion Carriage House. Nearly 60 people gathered to celebrate their commitment to the future of Craig Hospital.

An informal question and answer session facilitated by Mike Fordyce and Denny O’Malley highlighted the necessity for improvements in Craig facilities over the next several years,
including renovation of existing patient rooms, and expansion of the hospital campus to better accommodate vital support services and space requirements.

Craig Endowment funds also remain a top priority due to declining healthcare reimbursements and increasing costs. The endowment will ensure the stability of patient assistance funds, enhance research funding and maintain key programs without compromising quality of care.

Members of the Frank Craig Society have made a powerful commitment to make a difference in the lives of patients at
Craig Hospital by including Craig in their estate plans. We
are humbled and grateful for this confidence in our efforts.

Holdin’ the Line Motorcycle Run and Casino Tournament June 8th, 2008
The Colorado Chapter of the Untouchables Motorcycle Club and Craig Hospital Foundation would like to thank everyone who participated in the Third Annual “Holdin’ the Line” run. This year $1,730 were raised for the Law Enforcement Rehabilitation Fund at Craig Hospital. The morning rain hindered the arrival of participants but after the clouds cleared away it turned into a beautiful day. We look forward to our event again next year – Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 26th, 2009.

Craig Hospital PUSH 2008 Dinner PUSH Dinner

The annual PUSH Dinner, held March 6, 2008 at the Marriott Tech Center, proved to be the most successful and special PUSH event ever.  Two things happened to make this dinner so successful. 

First, the evening's proceeds surpassed $950,000.  Of this, almost $840,000 will go directly to vital research to improve recovery and quality of life after spinal cord and brain injury.

Secondly, to say that this year's event was inspirational is an understatement.  Three veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars were honored at the dinner.  All had sustained disabling injuries in the service of our country and all have been patients at Craig Hospital.  They were presented with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Inspiration Award, and there is little doubt that the spirit and enthusiasm of these three men - now fiercely striving to be "normal" rather than heroes - spilled over into the audience.  Guests bid top-dollar on auction items and then donated several of them, such as front-row tickets to an upcoming Celine Dion concert, back to the vets and their wives. 

In the end, everything came together to make it a great evening, one that will continue to bring hope to people with spinal cord and brain injuries and their families.  This year, hope was raised as our researchers made significant progress that makes cell transplantation more practical for humans -- so much so that they have started seeking their government's approval for human tests.  Another team of researchers will be studying the severe pain that plagues many of those who are trying to cope with their disabilities.  We are confident that next year will bring more meaningful developments.