Main fundraiser photo

Katie's Gift to the World

On July 11th 2015, Katie married the love of her life, Ryan. Together they embarked on their first journey together as a married couple doing what they both loved best, hiking in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. They had a wonderful week enjoying each others company in the great outdoors. On the last day of their honeymoon they hiked their way to the top of Mt. Yale to enjoy the beautiful scenery around them. On their trek back down the mountain a storm quickly moved overhead. Nearly at treeline, the couple was struck by lightning. Sadly Katie passed away, and her husband was critically injured. Ryan is now recovering, but is heartbroken that his "Katie bear" is gone. Katie had the inscription "Bears for Life" written on the inside of his wedding band because they always called each other by their playful nickname of "bear".

Katie was a unique spirit that left this world too soon. She had a devoted passion for nature, education, the elderly, and animals. She was a dedicated special education preschool teacher and had recently earned her master's degree in early childhood development.

In memory of Katie, her husband Ryan, her family, and her friends would like to honor her passions for nature, educating children with special needs, the elderly, and animals. We are fundraising money to distribute to charities in her name, and to honor her life.

We would like to setup a memorial site at the Botanical Gardens in Denver, Colorado, the site of her recent marriage.

Photos: https://goo.gl/photos/8PVXRc5uun95Ur4s5
(Wedding photos courtesy of www.cleephotography.com)

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UPDATE: Ryan has been released from the hospital and is recovering with family and friends.

We have identified where funds raised from this campaign will be going as we move forward. The following links provide more information about charities, services, and organizations dear to Katie's heart.

American Association for the Care of Children
http://aaccchildren.org/

STARS Early Learning Center (Katie's place of work) to help provide the opportunity for field trips
http://stars.adams14.org/

The Humane Society (Colorado)
http://www.humanesociety.org/about/state/colorado/

The Denver Botanical Gardens (We are hoping to dedicate a tribute/memorial site here in the future)
http://www.botanicgardens.org/get-involved/donate/tribute-memorial-gifts
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Donations 

  • L Y
    • $50 
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer

Adam Pocius
Organizer
Denver, CO

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