Hey all,

My name is Kyle Ratke. Chances are if you're reading this, you already know that. 

I'm running the Twin Cities Marathon on Oct. 9. It's my first marathon and I'm nervous. I can run long distances at a decent rate, but will I have the dedication to continue my training throughout the summer?

Well, with the help of the Children's Hospital, the answer is yes.

I've teamed up with the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota to raise money for children, more specifically children who are battling cancer. If I can't run this marathon, heck, you better believe I'm going to run it for them.

How could I make this experience more than just a personal achievement that gets a few Facebook likes and Twitter retweets? Well, with the help of the Children's Hospital, I'll we'll be able to do that. It's not much, I know. But it's something and kids are pretty awesome people. They are always smiling and making messes and stuff. I have three little sisters and a little brother. Fortunately for me, they are all healthy and have lived a pretty awesome life. Not every kid is that lucky. I want to do our damn best to change that. 

Money doesn't grow on trees. Student loans are real. But if you could donate $1, $5, or $1 million (that would exceed my goal, I think), that would be very-much appreciated.

You guys are awesome. Let's put some smiles on some kids' faces.