I am honored to be running for the Werner family: A.J., Tyson, Gina and Jeff.
Gina Werner--a former Winter Carnival Princess and brilliant colleague and friend of my wife, Julia--is a tireless advocate for children with heart defects. In addition to working as a volunteer at Children's Hospital, Gina chairs a Parents for Heart Group of Minnesota, a nonprofit dedicated to the education and support of families of children with heart defects. Her husband, Jeff, is a hard-working MPD officer, and recent NCF Father of the Year honoree. The Werner's wonderful and tough sons, A.J. and Tyson, were both born with heart defects, so this cause is very important to them.
I run a lot of races, but this one is special. I hope that during the race I can match some of the grit and determination that A.J. and Tyson have shown throughout the years, as they overcame the obstacles that were placed before them. They are an inspiration.