London, 16, Patient Ambassador reducing long travel times, missed work and school, and weather‐related cancellations.
Children’ s Colorado: A Lifeline for London ' s Mental Health
In middle school, London fell into a deep depression. At just 12 years old, she bravely told her parents the terrifying truth about how she felt:“ I don’ t want to be here anymore.”
For her mom, Melissa, and dad, John, those words were shattering and marked the beginning of a long, uncertain journey for their daughter through multiple hospitals, countless medications and a darkness that felt impossible to escape.
In southern Colorado, where Children’ s Colorado serves many rural communities, expanded access has been especially impactful. In 2025 alone, families in the region completed more than 12,700 telehealth visits, including over 2,100 mental‐health‐specific appointments— a lifeline for many children who would otherwise face long waits or long drives for behavioral health support.
Donating stocks to Children’ s Colorado directly can save taxes. And lives.
Did you know? Gifts of stock to qualifying areas may be eligible for a Colorado state tax credit through the Enterprise Zone for Colorado taxpayers. Visit:
SupportChildrensColorado. org / donating-stock to learn more.
After a year of different treatments, London entered the Partial Hospitalization Program( PHP) at Children’ s Colorado, Colorado Springs. PHP is an intensive, structured program for kids and teens who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but don’ t require overnight care.
For London, PHP brought more than stability. Through family therapy, structured milestones and creative outlets, she learned practical tools to manage ADHD, anxiety and severe depression.
Art became London’ s lifeline. In her darkest moments, her drawings were stark black-and-white reflections of the pain she carried. As healing began, color slowly returned to her artwork.
For the first time in years, London felt safe to feel. She discovered her voice— and its power.
Today, she’ s thriving in high school and co-chairs Children’ s Colorado’ s Youth Advisory Council to inspire others with her resilience.“ This hospital saved my life,” she says.“ Now I want other kids to know it’ s okay to ask for help.”
Philanthropy helps make the Partial Hospitalization Program at Children’ s Colorado possible. To ensure the continuity of this program into the future, consider giving to support pediatric mental health in honor of Mental Health Month in May. To learn more, contact Erin Nasralla at enasralla @ childrenscoloradofoundation. org.