There are two reasons I am excited to support Children's Hospitals and Clinics by running the Twin Cities marathon as a member of Team Superstars.  First, quality health care needs our continued investment.  My family has benefited from Minnesota's excellent health system.  My son Charlie was born 8 weeks premature and stayed in the hospital until he could come home. Initially, it was a frightening experience, but quality professionals helped him grow and today he is happy, thriving 20-year old University of Minnesota student.  New technologies and care plans like those embraced by Children's will continue to build healthy families, yet they need our support.  My second reason for participating is that I love to run.  It's my hobby, my therapy and I have gained tremendous friendships along the trail (Northstar Running Club).  I am grateful that I can run.  Not everyone has the physical ability to walk, let alone run.  I run for them because I can and because Children's Hospitals and Clinics are committed to helping physically impaired individuals regain mobility and independence. Marathons are an ultimate challenge for me and since my goal is to qualify for Boston again, it means I must push myself past limits, and train hard.  The TC marathon will be my 8th, and while I hope that I can post a time that will allow me to return to Boston, I also am happy to be able to run as part of Team Superstars.  I hope you can support my efforts in fundraising for this worthy cause.  Thank you in advance for any donation.