Nighthawk Ranch was born from a simple truth: nature heals. Founded by Tom and Dorothy Evans, our ranch gives children affected by childhood cancer a place to rebuild confidence, discover independence, and experience joy.
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A Vision Born from Personal Experience
Tom and Dorothy Evans built Nighthawk Ranch on a profound belief: that nature, responsibility, and community have the power to heal.
After witnessing how serious illness can disrupt a child’s sense of normalcy and independence, Tom and Dorothy set out to create something different—not a medical setting, not therapy sessions, but a real working ranch where kids could rediscover who they are beyond their diagnosis.
On these 320 acres in the Colorado Rockies, young cancer survivors care for animals, learn new skills, adventure with support, and connect with others who understand their journey. What began as a simple idea has grown into a place of transformation—yet Nighthawk Ranch remains intentionally small, personal, and completely free for every child we serve.
Meet Our TeamThe mission of Nighthawk Ranch is to provide a safe, healing environment for 10-18 year olds recovering from cancer with the goal of increasing self-esteem and rebuilding hope with confidence as they rediscover their independence.
Small sessions. Big impact. Lasting change.
Campers request to return
Campers per session
Alumni now serve as volunteer counselors
Acres of healing wilderness
What makes our ranch special—and why families keep coming back.
Campers don’t just visit—they live ranch life. Daily responsibilities and animal care become part of the healing process. Kids feed and groom horses and cows, tackle outdoor adventures, and learn that they’re capable of meaningful work.
With only 6–8 campers per session, every child is known by name, encouraged personally, and supported individually. This isn’t a large camp—it’s a family.
Healing happens through action. Kids try new things, explore the ranch on horseback, celebrate wins, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had.
Camp is 100% free thanks to contributions and volunteers. No family ever receives a bill for their child’s week at Nighthawk Ranch.
Medical oversight, trained staff, and careful planning keep campers safe.
Licensed medical staff on-site throughout each camp session, managing medications and monitoring camper health.
All team members complete screening and pre-camp training on pediatric cancer care, safety protocols, and emergency response.
Pikes Peak Regional Hospital is 35 minutes away. EMT-certified staff can respond immediately, and we maintain clear emergency protocols.
Each camper’s health needs are reviewed and planned for before arrival. Families work directly with our nursing director.
Experienced leaders and medical advisors ensure safety, accountability, and excellence.
Co-Owner of Nighthawk Ranch
Co-Owner of Nighthawk Ranch
MD, FACEP • Medical Advisor
Nighthawk Ranch is so fortunate to have Dr. Randolph Maul on our Advisory Board and as its Medical Advisor. Dr. Maul is a 4th generation Colorado native. He graduated from the University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Medical School. He has been a board certified emergency physician for 30 years, and served in the Air Force for twelve years as an emergency physician. He then spent twenty one years as an emergency physician for Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO. He is currently the Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Corrections. He and his wife Shawn have a blended family of six children, and five grandchildren. He has a fourth degree black belt in Kempo Karate, plays classical piano, and enjoys woodworking.
RN, ENPC, TNCC, EMT • Nursing Director
Because she loves children and any activity that involves the outdoors or horses, Shawn Maul is a perfect team member for Nighthawk Ranch. Shawn has worked in the medical field for over twenty years, twelve of which were as an EMT. She is currently an RN, certified in both adult and pediatric trauma (ENPC, TNCC). Shawn has over 35 years of medical training with over 20 years in Emergency Medicine as an EMT and RN. Shawn coordinates the medical program at Nighthawk including hiring and training medical volunteers, medical safety, as well as communicating with medical teams to coordinate campers medical care while at camp. Shawn has volunteered as medical coordinator for Nighthawk for 12 years.
Operations Coordinator
As the son of the owners, Jack has been a part of Nighthawk Ranch since its inception. With an effort to create a line of succession, he has been involved in many roles at camp, as well as working in operational management. Jack coordinates the operations of the ranch including activity safety, scheduling of volunteers and paid staff, facility upkeep and improvement, and inspection compliance. Jack collaborates with cancer organizations, attends cancer conventions, and ensures that the children have the best experience in a safe environment.
Medical Advisor • MD FAAEM FAWM DiMM
Dr. Sean Keenan, serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine, CU Anschutz, Aurora, CO, and Adjunct Associate Professor of Military and Emergency Medicine at the Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD. He also serves as a UC Health EMS Medical Director for the greater Teller County, CO (Pike’s Peak region) covering over 1200 square miles with 14 fire and emergency medical services agencies. He is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services, with a particular interest in wilderness, remote, and austere medicine. He is on the Board of Directors and is the President for the Special Operations Medical Association (SOMA). He is also a Trustee and CEO of a medical education nonprofit company, Specialized Medical Standards based in Colorado Springs, CO.
Families and donors can trust that every decision we make centers on safety, integrity, and impact.
Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA-I)
The highest standard for pediatric oncology camps
Nonprofit Transparency & Accountability
View our complete nonprofit profile and financial information
View on GuideStarFamilies, donors, and volunteers all play a role in helping young cancer survivors rediscover joy and confidence.
