Mile High Behavioral Healthcare/Comitis Crisis Center

Four part series

1 the announcement and diagnosis
2 treatment intervention, the journey
3 Recovery planning
4 right now and planning for the future

Part 2

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel like a sudden and CAT 5 storm, shattering the normalcy of life. The initial shock brings a whirlwind of questions: "Why me? Why now?" What does this even mean?It’s a smack in the face that forces us to confront our mortality, leading to a title wave of emotions—fear, anger, confusion, sadness , and even a sense of betrayal by one’s own body. The randomness of it all can be particularly overwhelming, as I grapple with the uncertainty of my health and future. The diagnosis isn't just a medical condition; it becomes a profound shift in identity and perspective and how you now show up in life . Do I feel differently “ yes”

As I dive deeper into my situation, the reality of having a chronic disease settles in. It’s not just a temporary hurdle; it’s now a part of my life that I must acknowledge and navigate. Every health application I encounter prompts me to check that box labeled “cancer,” a reminder of this new chapter. This seemingly small action feels monumental, marking a transition from the carefree life I once lived to one filled with continuous medical evaluations and treatment plans. The implications of this “label” extend beyond the paperwork; it influences how I perceive my health, my interactions with others, and the choices I make moving forward on this journey.

The journey with this news has been anything but linear. Initially, I experienced a surge of adrenaline, determined to fight back against the diagnosis. Researching treatments online, asking AI for advice , considering second opinions, and connecting with other survivors became my immediate focus. However, as days turned into weeks since the diagnosis date, the emotional weight began to take its toll, sadness, unannounced crying spells . The reality of appointments, scans, and potential side effects loomed large. I’ve learned that acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; rather, it’s about finding a new normal within the chaos.

Support from friends, friends from High School said not BobbyD or Dutch nicknames from back in the day, my friends were shocked and my friends and family will played a crucial role in this journey. Their presence has been a source of comfort, reminding me that I’m not alone in this fight and yes it feels like I am standing in a room alone. Conversations have shifted from everyday banter to deep discussions about fears, hopes, and the unknown. I’ve found strength in vulnerability, that’s right -Mr. strength- I stand by my sons, the Nonprofit I serve and Community. I have found sharing my experiences and fears with those who care is important. This Journey gives me a sense of community, shared experience filled with compassion and understanding may lead to more community members doing more prescreening! My hope and goal!

Ultimately, this journey is about resilience and growth. While the future remains uncertain, I’m learning to embrace the present, cherishing each moment and redefining what it means to live fully ( I understand this statement fully now ) The diagnosis has has created a desire to advocate for myself and others facing similar battles, understanding that our stories matter. This experience, while challenging, has unveiled layers of strength and purpose I never knew existed within me. As I navigate this complex landscape, I’m discovering that life, even in its most unpredictable forms, is still a beautiful journey worth embracing.

Robert Bob Dorshimer

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to take a moment to share some important personal news with all of you. I have recently been diagnosed with cancer, which means I will be stepping back from my role for approximately six weeks to focus on my family, treatment and recovery.

I want to reassure you that our agency is in a strong position. Our dedicated Directors and Management Team, along with our amazing Board of Directors, are all doing exceptionally well. I have complete confidence in their leadership during my absence. The Directors you work with, along with our Administrative Team, will remain your primary points of contact but please continue to CC: me in communications as I will continue to support my team during recovery. I have cross-trained my team thoroughly, ensuring that there will be no disruption in patient care while I am away.

Early detection was critical in my case, and I am grateful for the proactive cancer screening test that I opted to pay for out-of-pocket. It’s a reminder of how important it is to take charge of our health.

While my recovery will be gradual, I plan to check in regularly and stay connected with my teammates to insure that everything continues to run smoothly.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. I look forward to a strong recovery and to returning to work with renewed passion and dedication, ready to tackle the challenges ahead together in our mission of providing truly life-changing care!
Robert "Bob" Dorshimer, CEO

A huge THANK YOU to our friends at for rolling up their sleeves and helping us prepare our garden for planting 🌱💚
Your time, energy, and generosity are helping us grow more than just food—you’re helping us create meaningful, hands-on experiences for our community and strengthen our food pantry.
We’re so grateful for your partnership and commitment to making a difference! 🌿✨

Care comes in many forms, and today we celebrate all of them 🌸 Happy Mother’s Day to everyone who gives love, care, and support so freely.

Friends-

Mother's Day holds significant importance for families that don't adhere to traditional parent roles because it provides an opportunity to celebrate all forms of motherhood and caregiving, our Miracles Program/ our agency belief system ‼️. This day acknowledges the diverse ways love and support can be given, recognizing that nurturing relationships can happen from various family structures. Whether it's a grandparent, an aunt, a close family friend, or a same-sex couple, Mother’s Day honors the key contributions of these figures, reinforcing the value of connection, appreciation, and the unique bonds that shape our families. By celebrating these relationships, we promote inclusivity and affirm that love and care come in many forms. This is a Mile High Value ‼️🌹

Robert “Bob” Dorshimer
Chief Executive Officer

We are deeply grateful to Qualifacts for selecting Mile High Behavioral Healthcare as this year’s NatCon Give Back beneficiary and for delivering generous donations from our Amazon wishlist to all our programs. Being chosen as the NatCon beneficiary is an incredible honor, and this outpouring of support directly strengthens the safety, dignity, and care we provide our community. Thank you for standing with us and helping our neighbors build stability and hope.

We loved partnering with the UC School of Nursing for a health education class with our Miracles Program. Huge thanks to our incredible nurse, Alejandro, who coordinated this partnership and made it all happen!
So much fun learning about healthy living and nutrition in our newly renovated kitchen, and making tasty treats like parfaits and snickerdoodle dates