21 years of giving HOPE to children who suffer from cancer

DENVER – Connie Hirz Herrick doesn’t shy away from talking about her work with the Sky High Hope Camp, in fact she calls this camp for children “the happiest place on earth.” It is just an example of why Connie is the January winner of the Sawaya Values Award as the person who best demonstrates the value of HOPE.

Connie, now a retired teacher, has volunteered at the camp for more than 21 years, serving as the director for the past 10 years.  She read about Sky High Hope Camp while waiting for her dog to be treated for cancer at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University.

“The first year I came to camp I saw all the children who were weak and they didn’t have hair, the next year they were strong, with full heads of hair, and helping the next group. That’s why I call the camp the happiest place on earth.”

In her nomination, Pam Whitaker of the Ronald McDonald House wrote, “One of our teenagers was unable to come to camp because his cancer returned and he needed a bone marrow transplant….he missed months of school…Connie made sure he had tutors…drove him to medical appointments…encouraged him. In 2010 he entered Duke University on a scholarship.”

Michael Sawaya said, “Connie has provided HOPE to these children and their families for 21 years. When we looked at the nominees that instill a sense of hope and provide a brighter future for people in and around their community, there was no question that Connie was our winner. She exemplifies a person who helps others reach their potential by turning the value of HOPE into action.” See Connie receive her award at (January Winner Video)

Sky High Hope Camp (a program of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Denver, Inc.) is a free week-long, residential camp in the Rocky Mountain for children with cancer and their siblings.  Sawaya Law Firm is making a $250 donation to the Camp in Connie’s name.