Mile High Magazine Podcast

Guest: Michelle Sie Whitten, Co-Founder, President & Ceo, Global Down Syndrome Foundation Michelle founded the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, inspired by her daughter Sophia, who has Down syndrome. The foundation is dedicated to extending life expectancy and improving health outcomes through groundbreaking research and care. It established the Crnic Institute, supporting over 400 scientists, and the Sie Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado—the largest Down syndrome medical care center in the U.S. They also operate an adult clinic at Denver Health and lead national advocacy efforts. On October 18th, the foundation will host its 18th annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show—the world’s largest fundraiser for Down syndrome. The event features celebrities, professional models, and individuals with Down syndrome walking the runway to celebrate inclusion, beauty, and achievement. It’s a powerful night that raises critical funds and awareness. https://bebeautifulbeyourself.org/

Guest: Eileen Doherty, Executive Director Key important changes are coming to Medicare and Medicaid next year especially involving Medicare Advantage plans. With the release of the latest issue of Medicare rules by the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services and the annual enrollment or changes period just a couple weeks away, accurate insight and information from the non-profit Senior Answers/Colorado Gerontological Society is highly necessary for Colorado older adults.

Catherine, aka "Bronco Babe," has been a Broncos fan since 1977. She’s part of Pro Football’s Ultimate Fan Association, combining team spirit with charity—especially for children’s causes. At every home game, she hosts a tailgate beside the Budweiser VIP area, collecting donations for three kids’ charities. She won the Charity Belt Challenge in 2022 and is competing again this year, raising funds for Children’s Hospital Colorado to support red light therapy for cancer patients. $20,000 is still needed by November 2nd. https://givechildrensco.org/broncobabe

Guest: Eileen Doherty, Executive Director Key important changes are coming to Medicare and Medicaid next year especially involving Medicare Advantage plans. With the release of the latest issue of Medicare rules by the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services and the annual enrollment or changes period just a couple weeks away, accurate insight and information from the non-profit Senior Answers/Colorado Gerontological Society is highly necessary for Colorado older adults.

Guest: Dawn Guerrero Senior Manager, Patient & Community Outreach Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, changed its name to better represent all types of blood cancers—of which there are over 100. The organization funds research, advocates for patients, and offers financial, emotional, and educational support to individuals and families affected by blood cancer. Their Dare to Dream Project focuses on improving treatment for children, recognizing that pediatric blood cancers differ from those in adults and require tailored care. bloodcancerunited.org

Guest: David Dani CDPHE Emerging Contaminants Coordinator Colorado has an increasing problem of drinking water contaminated with PFAS, Polyfluoroalkyl substances. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment with its new PFAS Action Plan is working to eliminate theses substances from our water, lakes and streams. It is also working to eliminate PFAS from products being purchased by the public. https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environmental-justice

Guest: Johanna Spille Executive Director Covered Colorado offers safety, healing, and essential resources to survivors of sex trafficking. Through counseling, life skills training, and job readiness programs, survivors receive the support needed to rebuild their lives and regain independence. The organization provides dedicated housing and education centers, where survivors work closely with case managers and participate in group therapy.  On September 27, Covered Colorado will host its annual Light The Night fundraiser at Blackstone Country Club to support these vital services.   covercolorado.org

Guest: Megan Guevarra Director Office of Environmental Justice The Office of Environmental Justice works on fair access to clean air, safe water, green spaces, and eliminating undo burden of hazards in all Colorado communities while making certain communities have the right to participate in decisions that affect their environment. The state has codified these rights through the Colorado Environmental Justice Act. https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environmental-justice

Guest: Morgan Seibel Executive Director Nearly half of Colorado’s 303,000 children under age four face diaper insecurity. To help, WeeCycle is launching its Diaper Packing Project: for a $500 donation, they’ll deliver diapers to your location for bundling and distribution. Each month, WeeCycle purchases up to three truckloads of diapers and partners with mobile food banks to provide free diapers at pop-up events. weecycle.org

Guest: Rachel Jervis Epidemiologis The Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center for Excellence is one of one seven created nationwide by the Food Safety Act of 2012. It provides guidance and training to local health departments on food safety and helps to resolve food problem outbreaks and issues in nine states.

Guest: Bill Ficke Bill moved to Colorado in 1966 and opened Big Bill’s Pizza in 1995. After 9/11, he started the Day of Giving to raise money for charity. When his wife passed from cancer in 2007, he created the JoAnne B. Ficke Cancer Foundation to keep donations local. Every September 11, customers donate when ordering pizza—last year they raised over $170,000, with a goal of $200,000 this year. https://www.jbfcf.org/

Guest: Tracey Breckenridge The Colorado Health Foundation has been champions for the overall health and wellness of all Coloradoans. They achieve their goals by investing in and advocating for policies and solutions that stimulate health equity and racial justice. https://coloradohealth.org/

Guest: Amira Watters Executive Director Spay Today was founded in 2009 with the idea to eliminate animal overpopulation, homelessness and neglect through spay and neuter.  By preventing unplanned litters from being born, they give shelter animals who are waiting for their forever homes a better chance to get adopted.  They do roughly 30 surgeries a day on dogs, cats and rabbits Tuesday through Saturday for spay and neuter surgery. They also have a vaccine clinic on Tuesday through Saturday.  They are open to the public and offer their services at low cost.  October 17th is their big fundraiser Spayghetti & No Balls, it is their largest fundraiser.  https://spay.today/

Guest: Tracey Breckenridge The Colorado Health Foundation has been champions for the overall health and wellness of all Coloradoans. They achieve their goals by investing in and advocating for policies and solutions that stimulate health equity and racial justice. https://coloradohealth.org/

Guest: Dr. Terry Dunn Owner Dr. Dunn recently returned from Africa, where she provided vital healthcare to women, including cervical cancer screenings and menopause support, while raising awareness about the challenges they face. At Foothills Urogynecology, women of all ages receive care for pelvic floor disorders, gynecological issues, and menopause. Many mistakenly believe they no longer need gynecological care as they age, but regular pelvic exams remain essential. With 21,000 annual cases, ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer and has few early symptoms—yet no screening test exists. Women are encouraged to stay proactive and advocate for their health at every stage. https://urogyns.com/

Guest: Sara Zeff Geber, Author Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers In Colorado, 15% of adults over 65 are single—31% men and 55% women. While many boomers enjoy active, independent lifestyles, aging alone poses challenges, especially for the 27% without children. Lack of family support increases risks related to long-term care, isolation, and loneliness, which can negatively impact health.

Guest: Mel Rutledge Event Coordinator Angel Eyes offers free professional grief support to families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a pregnancy, infant, or young child. They provide a safe and supportive space where families can heal, connect with others, and find strength during difficult times.To support their mission, Angel Eyes is hosting a Poker Run and Car Show on September 6th at Front Range Inn in Morrison. angeleyes.org

Guest: Dedrick Simms Founder and CEO It’s the mission of the Sims-Fayola Foundation to build the necessary partnerships, shape public policy and provide the life enrichment support required for youth of color to achieve their social, economic and social justice success. Sims-Fayola recognizes the complex challenges faced by young men of color and have been shaping and delivering the support necessary for them to thrive. https://www.sffoundation.org/

Guest: Dedrick Simms Founder and CEO It’s the mission of the Sims-Fayola Foundation to build the necessary partnerships, shape public policy and provide the life enrichment support required for youth of color to achieve their social, economic and social justice success. Sims-Fayola recognizes the complex challenges faced by young men of color and have been shaping and delivering the support necessary for them to thrive. https://www.sffoundation.org/

Guest: Nicole Vanderpoel Event Co-Director Every 15 minutes, 50 Americans are diagnosed with cancer, and 47 children receive that diagnosis every single day. Swim Across America is a nationwide movement that helps fund critical cancer research through 24 open water swims, virtual events, and other fundraising efforts. The organization has raised over $100 million, with all funds staying local to the communities where they're donated. In Denver, proceeds support pediatric cancer research at Children's Hospital Colorado. The 8th annual Denver swim takes place on August 23 at Chatfield Reservoir's main swim beach. Participants 18 and older must raise a minimum of $500, while those under 18 are required to raise $250. swimacrossamerica.org/denver

Guest: Linda Villarosa Former Colorado resident, now City Univ. New York Professor Continued review of research findings presented in the book, “Under the Skin,” racism in health services delivery. Topics covered include poverty leading to poor health outcomes, human biases entering into health technology development, and black women with higher death rates in childbirth.

Guest: Mike Yankovich President & CEO The Children's Museum of Denver, founded in 1973 by dedicated parents and educators, was born out of a desire to create an engaging cultural and educational space for young children. With a focus on “kid-powered learning,” the museum offers imaginative, hands-on exhibits for ages newborn through eight. One of its newest attractions, Catawampus, invites families into a whimsical, lantern-lit world filled with curious creatures and surprising habitats. While designed for children, the museum ensures grown-ups have just as much fun exploring and playing alongside them. www.mychildsmuseum.org

Guest: Sharon Knight CEO Hope Communities is an organization providing support services to residents of its affordable housing communities and to the neighborhoods that surround them. Services include affordable housing, adult education in multiple languages, youth education enrichment and achieving economic mobility. https://hopecommunities.org/

Guest: Monique McCoy Vice President of External Affairs Brent’s Place provides free, long-term housing for families dealing with serious medical conditions like cancer, organ transplants, or immune-compromised illnesses, offering a uniquely clean and supportive environment complete with meals, enrichment programs, and celebrations of life milestones. Families typically stay for around 120 days, though many remain much longer. To spread hope and joy, Brent’s Place is hosting a new event called Wild Wonders on Saturday, July 26th—an after-hours adventure at the Denver Children's Museum filled with exploration and fun across 9 exciting acres for all ages. brentsplace.org

Guest: Sharon Knight CEO Hope Communities is an organization providing support services to residents of its affordable housing communities and to the neighborhoods that surround them. Services include affordable housing, adult education in multiple languages, youth education enrichment and achieving economic mobility. https://hopecommunities.org/

Guest: Eileen Doherty, Executive Director Annual review of actions by Colorado legislature affecting older adults. Program reviewed changes again to homestead exemption, seniors not taking advantage of tax rebate which ends next year and no progress on legislation focusing on affordable housing. Also looked ahead to August Salute to Seniors resources support event.

Guest: Lacey Wicksall Executive Director Wish Upon A Wedding is a national nonprofit that grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illnesses or severe health challenges. Since 2010, it has fulfilled over 320 wishes with the help of a dedicated planner and volunteer vendors. Events are held on weekdays, limited to 50 guests, with $2,000 provided by the organization and the rest donated.  One recent wish was a vow renewal for a couple with stage 4 cancer and three teenage children. Their daughter walked down the aisle in her mother’s original wedding dress, danced with her father, and the mother was able to share a beautiful dance with her sons. wishuponawedding.org

Guest: Darren Smith, VP Finance and Admin Denver Pridefest is produced and managed as a fundraiser for The Center on Colfax which offers support, services and information year round to Colorado’s LGBTQ community. Although cuts in funding support for Pridefest will be a challenge for The Center operations this year, the Pridefest celebration goes on as it did prior to corporate support.

Guest: Cheryl Talley Director of PR/Communications Donor Alliance and Scott Pinkney, a liver recipient who is participating in the Donor Dash Donor Alliance, Colorado’s organ and tissue procurement organization, also manages the Donate Life Colorado Registry. Currently, over 1,300 Coloradans are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Remarkably, one donor can save up to 8 lives and help more than 75 others through tissue donation. Scott, a liver transplant recipient, has shared his powerful journey—an experience that not only transformed his health but gave him a renewed perspective on life. In celebration of that gift, he’ll be joining others at this year’s Donor Dash on July 20 at Washington Park—an uplifting event that brings together donor families, recipients, and supporters from across the community. donoralliance.org/donordash

Guest: Julie Klein, Director Program Strategy LifeTime Arts Visual arts, theater, writing and music are among the expressive ways older adults are now engaging themselves. Studies are showing involvement in arts can reduce fall risk, taking less medication, fewer Dr. visits, along with improved mood and less stress. Engaging in arts as a therapeutic health benefit for older adults is the subject of this edition.

Guest: Lindsay Zaback Development Director WeeCycle supports Colorado families by providing essential baby items—such as cribs, car seats, formula, and diapers—for children aged 0–4. The organization collects gently used gear, inspects and cleans it, and works with community partners to distribute supplies to families in need. Through mobile events in underserved neighborhoods, WeeCycle also provides diapers, wipes, and baby food directly to families. Last year, they served over 146,000 children across the state. weecycle.org

Guest: Amber Crist Atkins & Atty Tracey Groniger, Justice in Aging. 56% of America’s 38.1 million persons living in poverty are women. This edition in a series, reviews what can be done to better support those in this “poverty zone” and updates on strategies to minimize the risk of other women joining them. Interview at the American Society on Aging national conference.

Guest: Aisha Ahmad-Post Executive Director Located on the University of Denver campus, the Newman Center for the Performing Arts presents an eclectic mix of world-class performances, primarily in the acoustically superb Gates Concert Hall. Their programming spans contemporary and classical music, modern and cultural dance, spoken word, theater, and multimedia experiences. This season features jazz concerts, a Grateful Dead tribute, and much more. For those new to the arts, Aisha suggests catching MOMIX—a dance company known for its spellbinding blend of movement, illusion, and artistry. With something for every artistic palate, the Newman Center continues to be a cornerstone of cultural life in Denver. https://newmancenterpresents.com/

Guest: Renee Rosenberg Older adults whose previous years of reliable work habits are very much wanted and needed in todays companies. If you are in a job search now or seriously considering such again, to help support your positive mindset to be successful is the work of the organization Age-Rebrander. 

Guest: Emily Leclerq, Howard County Office of Aging Determining guardianship, advanced directives, medical orders, long term care needs are among the many considerations older single adults must manage alone. Being a solo ager, as they are termed now, can be a daunting task beyond just considerations for Medicare and Medicaid as strategies are regularly changing. Discovering your path as a solo ager without immediate family is the focus of this edition.

Guest: Scott Dishong President & CEO Make-A-Wish Colorado grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across the state, fulfilling about one wish per day. The first wish ever granted, over 45 years ago, was a trip to Disney. As they prepare to grant their 7,000th wish—to a northern Colorado child who dreams of learning to be a cowboy from professional bull rider JB Mooney—they continue to expand their mission beyond terminal diagnoses to serve all children with critical illnesses. https://wish.org/colorado

Guests: Catherine Marienau and Gail Zelitzky Grown up adult women age 60+ are reshaping their lives growing into new directions, keeping active, developing and acting upon new interests in essence redesigning their lives. Helping them to get there are two ladies who conducted the workshop, “Women Over 70, Changing the Narrative” at the American Society on Aging national conference. https://asaging.org/

Guest: Steve Best Board Member The Honor Bell Foundation pays tribute to the selfless service of U.S. veterans. Their mission is to provide a dignified final salute during burial services, upholding tradition, respect, and solemnity. In addition to veteran outreach and community education, the Honor Bell contains 12 artifacts donated by families of deceased Colorado veterans, representing every U.S. conflict since World War II and all military branches. The bell is rung seven times at the end of the service, symbolizing service, patriotism, dignity, camaraderie, respect, honor, and the value of life. https://honorbell.org/

Guest: Deidre Johnson Exec Director and Dr. Oswaldo      In addition to their long term mission of supporting African Americans in Colorado with their health through screenings, nutrition education, mental health/wellness, and annual health fairs, the Center for African American Health is opening new clinic. The clinic will have health professionals on site, will do exams and make referrals.  https://caahealth.org/

Guest: Deidre Johnson Exec Director and Dr. Oswaldo In addition to their long term mission of supporting African Americans in Colorado with their health through screenings, nutrition education, mental health/wellness, and annual health fairs, the Center for African American Health is opening new clinic. The clinic will have health professionals on site, will do exams and make referrals.  https://caahealth.org/

Guest: Dr. Joseph Ramos Level 1 Trauma Doctor and Personal Injury Attorney owner of FitMD Have you heard about the miracle medicine helping people lose weight? The medicine over the counter is called, "Mounjaro" or "Wegovy." But the public can access safe compound versions of the medicine. It is called, "Semaglutide" and "Tirzepatide." These compounds help people lose stubborn pounds and fight off disease caused by obesity. What does it do to your body? What are the side effects and how long should you expect to be on it? https://fitmdusa.com/

Guest: Kelly Ostoff, Colorado Alzheimer’s Association April 17 is End Alzheimer’s Day. This program updates new developments and care regarding Alzheimers and dementia along providing 10 health habits to support the brain. https://www.alz.org/co

Guest:  Kelly Ostoff, Colorado Alzheimer’s Association April 17 is End Alzheimer’s Day. This program updates new developments and care regarding Alzheimers and dementia along providing 10 health habits to support the brain. https://www.alz.org/co

Guest: Julissa Soto, CEO & Founder of Julissa Soto Latino Health Equity Consulting, Office of Health Equity Commissioner Julissa helps people in the Latino community the health care system.  Starting January 1st of 2025, undocumented children and undocumented pregnant people qualified for Medicaid.  The health fairs Julissa host have vendors that are bilingual, they try to make it as easy as possible and be as transparent so these families know that they can get access to care.  There will be a health fair on May 17th from 10a-2p at the Mountain Christian Church.  There will be a wide range of vendors that will help with thing such as mental health as well as vaccines.  The event is free to the community. https://julissasoto.com/

Guest: Dr. Rachel Herlihy Chief Medical Officer The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment advises the state has at least three verified cases of measles. This edition will provide you with much of what you need to know to protect yourself against contracting measles.

Guest: Wendy Loloff Cooper CEO Generation Schools Network helps students prepare for college and careers, offering unique experiences and organizing events like Entrepreneurship Fairs. An upcoming fair on April 30th at Wiggins High School, along with mini fairs in Aurora and Colorado Springs, engages students by providing feedback on their business plans. The organization also addresses bullying by teaching that it’s unacceptable and exploring underlying causes, often providing support with social or communication skills. https://www.generationschools.org/

Guest: Cheryl Talley April is National Organ Donor Awareness Month. With over 1,400 persons in the state awaiting one of eight organs, it is a good time to separate fact from fiction regarding organ donation and encourage listeners to consider becoming donors. https://www.donoralliance.org/

Guest: Shelby Mattingly CEO Denver’s Early Childhood Council is dedicated to strengthening the childcare system, recognizing that childcare is not only essential for children’s healthy development but also a cornerstone of a thriving workforce. They ensure families have access to quality childcare, collaborate with partners to provide health and mental health support, and focus on early development. Their efforts include supporting existing childcare programs, training early childhood professionals, building referral networks, and connecting children to developmental resources. By nurturing a robust childcare system, they help lay the foundation for both the well-being of children and the sustainability of the workforce. https://denverearlychildhood.org/ 

Guest: Cheryl Talley April is National Organ Donor Awareness Month. With over 1,400 persons in the state awaiting one of eight organs, it is a good time to separate fact from fiction regarding organ donation and encourage listeners to consider becoming donors. https://www.donoralliance.org/

The Colorado Lottery is committed to giving back, with funds supporting the state’s beautiful outdoor spaces. March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of players’ well-being. While lottery games can be a source of enjoyment, it’s vital to play responsibly and recognize signs like stress, strained relationships, or dishonesty about time or money spent. Colorado offers various resources to support those struggling, including tools on the lottery’s website. As a leader in player safety, the Colorado Lottery was one of the first to implement age verification on vending machines, ensuring responsible gaming. Together, we can enjoy these games while prioritizing health and happiness—because a little play can go a long way when it’s done right! https://www.coloradolottery.com/

Guest: Deborah Richardson Executive Director In the mission statement of the ACLU, the American Civil Liberties Union, you will find these words. We are there for you, rich or poor, straight or gay, black or white, or brown, urban or rural, pious or atheist, American born or foreign born, able bodied, or living with a disability, every person in the country should have the same basic rights.  The ACLU identifies itself as the nation's preeminent public interest law firm, an organization that is not anti-anything.  Their fight is taking on attempts to take away or to limit your civil liberties. https://www.aclu.org/