I may not be running  as far as last year, but I am running just has hard!  You see…. Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota holds a special place in the Sewall family for their care of Sam and our family in 1998-2000. Since then, Children’s has continued to build the Hematology and Oncology program to treat kids like Sam. In 2015, they had 1096 admissions to the unit for over 5500 inpatient days. They now have some of the highest survival rates in the US. 

Key to this success is helping these young patients and their families stay happy and focused during their very stressful treatments and what can be very lonely inpatient stays. That is the role of “Child Life” and their specialists. To help children with toys, games, activities and support so that the children can remain calm and comforted and their families and parents can manage during these emotional times.

The funds from Sam’s fund (Samuel Billington Sewall Endowment) go to supporting these specialists AND the programs they create and manage.  A great example? On Wednesdays, every patient on the Cancer and Blood Disorders unit gets to be a super hero with their OWN SUPER HERO CAPE. Staff dress up as well; ALL in an effort to bring joy and healing to these amazing kids.

I run to support Children’s in their goal to provide the best healthcare to the most amazing people on earth. Would you join me in supporting Sam’s fund at Children’s and maximizing the impact of their Child Life Specialists?  $25. $50, $100. Let’s reach a goal of raising $10, 000 this year.

 I am grateful for what has been an amazing year with Quincy’s wedding and a milestone birthday and want to wrap up 2016 by honoring Sam with my run. Will you help me and honor Sam through your donation?