A number of Federal employees working in the Denver area were directly affected by the Columbine shooting. Many have students attending Columbine and when the news broke, they waited by the phone, hoping against hope that their child was not trapped in the school or, worse yet, wounded. The wife of one employee is a trauma nurse at Swedish Medical Center, one of the first hospitals to recieve the wounded students. She bravely attended to the injured pouring into the emergency room, all the while worrying about her own son, who attends Columbine High. The daughter of another taught German at the school and was in the teachers lounge next to the library, where the largest killing spree took place. She is still traumatize by what she saw.

In October, 1999, the Federal Employees Memorial staff and volunteers with the help of DREA had an auction for Anne Marie Hochhalter to help raise funds for a sports wheelchair not covered by insurance to bring a little fun into her life. 

On April 12, 2000, Anne Marie Hochhalter was presented with a Freedom Ryder handcycle. The Freedom Ryder by Brike Int. Ltd. is a hand powered cycle that is steered by leaning the body. It combines the fun of cycling and the benefits of an upper-body workout with the thrilling sensation of slalom skiing. Riding these bikes, three world-class athletes set a world record when they handcycled 13,026-miles around the world. This bike will allow Anne Marie the freedom to get outside and bike with friends and family. She chose a nice dark purple metallic with chrome accents, a two-piece padded seat, and an onboard computer to for speed, distance, etc. Steve Ackerman, of American Wheelsports, assembled, delivered, and customized the fit of the hand cycle especially for Anne Marie. He spoke with her at length and gave her a video of his around the word tour on a Freedom Ryder. Steve was very helpful in working with the Hochhalters and getting the hand cycle ready so that Anne Marie can enjoy her summer. 

She was also presented with a check to her Supplemental Care Account for over $7,000 (the remainder of the funds raised at the Silent Auction.) Anne Marie expressed her thanks to all of you who helped out and/or participated. She sincerely appreciated the hard work that was went into this endeavor. She also really appreciated all of the leave that has been donated to her father so that Ted can be home to be with her and help in her recovery. Anne Marie is looking forward to graduating from Columbine High School shortly and attending college in the Fall. Ted Hochhalter also expressed his thanks for all the effort for his daughter and your compassion for his family. 

Thanks go to Colette Collins for coordinating the efforts between Ted, Anne Marie, to the therapists at Craig Rehabilitation Center for assisting in the choice of the handcyle, and to American Wheelsports and Steve Ackerman for obtaining and customizing the hand cycle. Thanks again to all those that participated and helped make this possible. 

Ann Marie Hochhalter, critically injured Columbine High School student, is the daughter of Ted Hochhalter, a Denver Federal employee. A fund has been established to help pay for extensive long term rehabilitation.