A Crested Butte teacher and Gunnison County employee are asking the public for assistance as their infant son, Kyrie, battles a rare, life-threatening heart condition.
Since they welcomed their first son into the world in October, Kyrie has fought an uphill battle against pulmonary hypertension and scimitar syndrome, which causes fluid build-up in the lungs. While the couple – Rachel Allen and Vince Rogers – has lived in western Colorado for the past decade, Kyrie’s medical complications have required the new family to stay in a Denver hospital indefinitely.
“He has been a champion, staying strong every step of the way, but has had to undergo heart surgery, CT scans, intubation and expensive medications,” Allen’s best friend, Nicola Kerr, wrote on GoFundMe. “He has had to be lifeflighted to Colorado Springs from Gunnison, and these costs added up incredibly fast.”
According to Kerr, the couple hopes to return to Gunnison soon, but the future remains uncertain. In the meantime, expenses from the hospital, flight-for-life and accommodations in Denver have left the couple with a sizable, still-growing bill. Those interested in assisting the new family can visit their GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com/f/support-rachel-vince-and-kyries-heart-journey. As of writing, the GoFundMe has raised $3,200 of the $10,000 goal.
On Sat., March 14, the Delta Health Board of Directors announced a “reorganization in transitional leadership,” with Delta Health Chief Operating Officer Nick Colleran appointed as the new, interim administrator. The announcement came roughly four months after former Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Cohee departed from the 49-bed hospital and outpatient health care provider. Delta Health Chief Legal Officer Julie Huffman, who served as interim administrator since Cohee’s exit, will return to her role as CLO, according to a press release.
The hospital board said the change was intended “to utilize everyone’s strengths and talents during this time of healthcare transition.” The press release added that Delta Health’s leadership team will collaborate to ensure the hospital is operationally stable, whilst working on “external initiatives” for long-term success.
Community Hospital, 2351 G Road, celebrated its 10th year in the new hospital building on March 16, when the provider also resumed labor and delivery services after a 16-year hiatus.
“We are incredibly proud of the unwavering growth and success Community Hospital has experienced over the last decade,” Community Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Thomas said. “Countless people worked tirelessly for so many years to make this dream a reality. I am confident our current facility will serve the health care needs of our community for decades to come.”
The hospital made the same-day transfer of its patients on March 17, 2016, from the old location at 2021 N. 12th Street. Colorado Mesa University later purchased the old building, which is now one of the university’s nursing and health sciences buildings.
Community Hospital’s March 2016 move concluded a roughly one-and-a-half year construction project, which the press release said cost $50 million and utilized local subcontractors for nearly 85% of “all work that could be completed locally.” The press release added that the hospital’s first baby delivered in 16 years took place at 4:55 p.m., the same day of the new facility opening.
“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years,” said Ashlee Davis, mother of the first baby born at the new hospital. “Thank you Community Hospital labor and delivery staff for helping bring my beautiful girl into this world. I was blessed with great staff and family by my side when she was born.”
