The compassion Lori Mulligan experienced at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital inspired her to find a meaningful way to thank the caregivers who made a difference in her life.
When Lori moved to Fort Collins from Maryland a few years ago, she quickly formed a close friendship with a neighbor who became one of her most trusted confidantes. Through life’s celebrations and challenges, that friendship deepened. It was also through that relationship that Lori came to witness firsthand the extraordinary care provided at Poudre Valley Hospital.
“The care team was exceptional,” Lori said. “Not just professionally. They were exceptional people.”
During a time that carried both uncertainty and emotion, Lori found comfort in the compassion she saw throughout the hospital. Caregivers took time to listen, connect and treat patients and families with genuine kindness, even amid the demands of a busy hospital environment.
“You could tell they truly cared,” she said.
Whether it was a nurse, physician, nursing assistant or support staff member, Lori witnessed something powerful: people showing up every day with empathy, professionalism and a shared commitment to caring for others.
Long after leaving the hospital, Lori continued thinking about the caregivers who had made such a difference, not only in her own experience but in the lives of countless patients and families. She knew a simple thank you did not feel like enough.
“Giving doesn’t have to be about a specific amount.
It’s about recognizing the people who make a difference.”
“When you’re watching the process, it’s important to look around and see all the people working hard to care for others,” she said. “I wanted to say thank you.”
Lori began finding ways to express her gratitude. She coordinated cinnamon roll deliveries for care teams at Poudre Valley Hospital, offering a thoughtful gesture to recognize the people whose kindness had meant so much.
Then, through UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation, Lori transformed her gratitude into action. Her gifts recognize the caregivers who inspired her while helping ensure future patients and families receive the same compassionate care when they need it most.
For Lori, philanthropy is more than a donation. It is a way to celebrate the people who made a difficult time a little easier, honor the compassion she witnessed every day in the hospital and help extend that same spirit of care to others.
“Giving doesn’t have to be about a specific amount,” she said. “It’s about recognizing the people who make a difference.”
Every day, patients and families across northern Colorado experience moments of extraordinary care. A nurse who offers reassurance during a difficult diagnosis. A physician who takes extra time to answer questions. A caregiver whose compassion brings comfort when it is needed most.
Lori’s story is one example of how gratitude can become something lasting. Like Lori, many grateful patients and families choose to express their appreciation through a gift to our Recognizing Outstanding Care program. Their generosity honors the caregivers who made a difference in their journey and helps support programs, services and resources that enhance care for future patients.
As the year comes to a close, if you have been touched by outstanding care, consider making a gift in honor of someone who impacted your experience. Your generosity is a meaningful way to say thank you while helping ensure others experience the same compassion, comfort and healing close to home.
UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital staff with their cinnamon rolls from Lori.
