Sunflower Day Provides a Bright Spot for Children with Illnesses and Their Siblings

At age 23, Kylie Schwartz was diagnosed with cancer. Although she was an adult, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children was best equipped to treat the rare form of cancer that typically afflicts children. During her illness, she dedicated herself to help other young people like her.

Kylie started a fundraising campaign to raise money for the Child Life Program at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. After her death, she continues to help others. Her campaign has continued to grow with community support and now includes The Denver Hospice, which provided her with hospice care, in its list of recipients.

Among the latest events was Sunflower Day at Misfit Crew Ranch in Colorado Springs, a refuge for horses and miniature cows that are rescued from kill lots and given another chance at life. Sunflower Day — a theme inspired by Kylie’s love of the flower — brought together families with children with illness and included a petting zoo with alpacas, horses and miniature cows; music; cupcakes; crafts; and a “red carpet” horse show. 

This private event allowed our most vulnerable children and their siblings to enjoy a day at the ranch that they might not have otherwise ever been able to do.

After Sunflower Day’s success, the owners of Misfit Ranch plan to host other family days for The Denver Hospice’s children patients.