A Family's Journey Towards Healing and Home
Amy Humble and Corey Smith are on a mission that every parent can relate to: they are fighting for their daughter, Marlowe, to come home after a prolonged stay in the NICU. Their story exemplifies not only resilience but also highlights the healthcare challenges faced by families in rural areas.
Marlowe was born extremely premature at just 25 weeks and weighed less than a pound. For over 250 days, she received critical care, undergoing numerous surgeries and medical treatments that many parents would hope to avoid. Thankfully, today, she is a lively and spirited young girl, showing the strength that her parents always believed she possessed.
However, as they attempt to transition Marlowe back to their hometown, Amy and Corey are confronted with significant barriers. Steamboat Springs, their beloved mountain home, is not equipped with the necessary resources to support families with children who have complex medical needs. This realization has added a layer of difficulty to their plans for a stable family life.
The Reality of Rural Healthcare
Amy expressed her gratitude for the medical professionals in Denver who saved Marlowe’s life. Still, she emphasized their desire to return to their community. “We’re incredibly thankful,” she stated, “but our home and future are in the mountains.”
Despite its status as a renowned resort town, Steamboat Springs mirrors the challenges seen throughout rural Colorado. There is a shocking lack of infrastructure to support families with medically complex children. The availability of private duty nurses has significantly dwindled, and many home health agencies shy away from serving rural clients due to insufficient Medicaid reimbursement and daunting travel distances.
Approximately 700,000 people reside in rural Colorado, facing a stark reality where essential medical and healthcare professionals are noticeably absent:
- Many rural counties are devoid of mental health professionals, with 12 counties lacking a psychologist or social worker.
- Access to dental care is severely limited, with six counties lacking a dentist.
- One county has no physician available at all.
This puts countless families in difficult positions, where they must choose between remaining near specialized healthcare in urban centers or seeking the lifestyle they've always envisioned in the countryside.
A Call for Change
Amy and Corey have decided to remain in their hometown, but they recognize that they cannot face this challenge alone. They are actively advocating for change, aiming not just to improve their situation but to enhance the system for all families facing similar difficulties.
The couple is on the lookout for a dedicated pediatric nurse—envisioned as a “Mary Poppins with medical training”—to provide care for Marlowe at home. More importantly, they are driven to pioneer a statewide initiative in Colorado, targeting the development of a robust healthcare network catering to medically complex children in rural communities.
About the Family
Amy serves as the co-founder of Disruption Advisors, which focuses on coaching and leadership development on a national scale. Corey is a passionate entrepreneur with deep connections to Colorado, having grown up in Rifle and Englewood. Their choice to settle in Steamboat Springs was a conscious decision to raise their three children—Steele, Bodie, and Marlowe—surrounded by nature, a supportive community, and shared values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges does Marlowe’s family face in rural healthcare?
The family struggles to find adequate medical care and support services for Marlowe due to the lack of resources in rural areas.
Why is Steamboat Springs important to Amy and Corey?
It’s their hometown where they want to raise their three children amidst nature and community values.
What kind of nurse is Marlowe's family looking for?
They are searching for a pediatric nurse that combines professional medical expertise with a nurturing approach.
What initiative are Amy and Corey launching?
They are starting a statewide effort to improve healthcare networks for medically complex children in rural communities.
How can others support their efforts?
Families can advocate for better resources and support systems for rural healthcare, ensuring all families receive the care they need.
