From Craig Hospital Patient to Committed Donor

Located just south of Boulder, Colorado, beautiful Eldorado Canyon is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, scenic forested landscapes, and picturesque hiking trails.

It was here that Steve Stewart was mountain biking back in July of 2023. The 64-year-old was on a two-hour, solo ride when he suddenly veered off the road and plunged 15 feet into a ravine.

“I landed upside down, paralyzed from the waist down, with the top part of my head submerged in the water,” he recalls. “I was all alone, totally conscious, and unable to move. It was terrifying, but thankfully, somebody found me about 30 minutes later.”

Steve was rushed to a Boulder hospital and underwent emergency surgery for central cord syndrome.

Two weeks later, he transferred to Craig Hospital for neurorehabilitation, where he spent the next eight weeks immersed in physical and occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and aquatic therapy. In addition, Steve took part in numerous PEAK Center exercise sessions and participated in one of Craig’s research studies focused on improving upper extremity function and trunk stability.

“My experience at Craig was mind blowing,” Steve says. “Before being at Craig, I did not have much experience in the health care setting, so I didn’t know what to expect. But I was extremely impressed.”

He adds, “As a patient, you’re going through a life-changing crisis period, and everyone at Craig understands this. The care team is so empathetic and knowledgeable, and they work hard to support and motivate you. I knew I was in the hands of world-class professionals with outstanding credentials.”

Altruism in Action

Reflecting on his time at Craig, Steve says it opened his eyes to some of today’s health care challenges.

“My amazing experience at Craig helped me appreciate the care I received, as well as the overwhelming impact the hospital has on patients and families managing brain and spinal cord injuries,” he explains. “Some people don’t have the ability to pay for rehab, while others have insurance policies that don’t cover the hospital’s innovative programs. And that’s where the Craig Hospital Foundation comes into play.”

As a standalone, not-for-profit hospital, Craig relies on support from individuals, families, corporations and foundations. Because a number of insurance companies do not reimburse the costs of some of Craig’s programs, these valuable offerings would not exist without philanthropic support.

“It is important for me to give back to Craig and help others benefit from the hospital’s world-class skills, knowledgeable staff, and supportive environment,” Steve explains. “While my biking accident was a life-altering event, I was lucky enough to be able to heal at Craig.”

He adds, “My experience not only connected me to the hospital’s mission, but it connected me to the strong community at Craig. It’s a community that I will always be a part of—and a community that I’m thrilled to be able to support.”

To learn more about supporting Craig Hospital, please visit craighospital.org/donate.