Nonprofit Dedicated To Research To Help Kids With Respiratory Disorders

The annual 5280 AIR Society gala is always a popular affair. | Photos courtesy of National Jewish Health

National Jewish Health is among the leading respiratory hospitals in the nation, having been named a Top 10 hospital in pulmonology in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals list for 27 consecutive years. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health today is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of patients with chronic respiratory, cardiac and immune-related disorders. It is the institution in the United States to which physicians refer patients with the most difficult respiratory cases.

A group of young leaders in Colorado wants to keep it that way. The 5280 AIR Society (asthma, immunology and respiratory) is a group of youthful, ambitious leaders in Denver invested in National Jewish Health’s mission. They represent a variety of industries and want to help lead the next generation of the institution’s philanthropy by sharing their ideas and vision to propel fundraising efforts, drive awareness, and pave the way for future leadership.

5280 AIR Society members such as Larina Chen-Mehta, Brad Morse, Lauren Whitney, Eric Schierburg and Dr. Matthew Stratton help raise funds by inviting friends, family, vendors and business associates to support the hospital through events and other programs. They volunteer their time at Morgridge Academy, a school located on the campus of National Jewish Health, and with on-campus events such as Career Day and Field Day.

Morgridge Academy is a unique day school for approximately 90 students in grades K-8 who require medical assistance during the typical school day. Located on the grounds of National Jewish Health in Denver, Morgridge Academy enrolls students who have a variety of chronic diseases, such as asthma, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell anemia or heart conditions. Because of their serious illnesses, these children require immediate access to medical attention, which they cannot get at traditional schools. In many cases, they have previously missed significant time in school and have fallen below grade level. Morgridge Academy demonstrates that school absences due to asthma and other chronic illnesses can be reduced. The school is approved by the Colorado Department of Education.

Brian Parks, who has been part of 5280 AIR Society since its inception over 10 years ago, knows the impact that this group of young professionals has had on Morgridge Academy. “Being involved with the school has given me a strong sense of purpose, and seeing the students thrive inspires me to keep pushing to help the school and the hospital in any way I can.”

The short-term goal is to continue growing the 5280 AIR Society and increase awareness of Morgridge Academy, shares Parks. “We want Morgridge Academy and the 5280 AIR Society to become household names in Denver, and for the annual end-of-summer soiree to develop into a staple on the Denver social calendar. The more members we have, the more our message will spread, and we can help as many kids as possible at Morgridge Academy.”

Members of 5280 AIR Society are always looking for more community ambassadors to help champion its efforts. They are currently planning their 2024 party, so make sure to visit the website for a save-the-date, coming soon.  

NATIONAL JEWISH HEALTH 5280 AIR SOCIETY
1400 Jackson St., M412, Denver