This marathon will be my first, ever. Twenty-six point two miles is a long distance, but it's only four hours of my life. That's nothing compared to what the patients and their families spend at the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota seeking life-saving treatment. Four hours will feel like an eternity while a toddler is in emergency surgery, while the family waits for the results of the tests telling them IF their child will live to see their next birthday, while the family waits to see IF their child wakes up.
In October 2014, after running a challenge during the Medtronic weekend that totaled 19.3 miles, I read a tweet about an opportunity to run FOR Children's. I did some research into Children's, not fully understanding their mission before hand, and read this page:
"About Children's
Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children's serves kids throughout the Upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, 12 primary and specialty-care clinics and six rehabilitation sites. Children's maintains its longstanding commitment to the community to improve children's health by providing high-quality, family-centered pediatric services and advancing those efforts through research and education. An award-winning health system, Children's is regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top children's hospital and by The Leapfrog Group for quality and efficiency.
Patient-and Family-Centered Care
At Children's, we practice Patient-and Family-Centered Care, a philosophy of care that respects the pivotal role of the family as the constant in their child’s life. It acknowledges that families are the experts of their children, and are the primary care givers and source of support. Patients and families are encouraged to participate as active members of the health care team.
Informed patients and families make better decisions. We strive to provide clear, honest and useful information in a respectful way to all those we care for. Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota is committed to provide the best care possible, working together in the best interest of the child. This collaborative partnership is the foundation of the care we provide.
Our Vision
Children’s will be a national leader in advancing the health of children, innovating and delivering family-centered care of exceptional quality. "
When the day came for the introduction of the first ever Children's Marathon team, I showed up knowing I would run either the 10 mile or the marathon. I was told there would only be 3 spots for the 10 mile, but the marathon had a lot more. I instantly knew I would run the marathon, my first ever, because this organization deserves support from every person, in every way. I took 15 minutes to think it through; I checked in with my body, I checked in with my heart, and they both told my brain 'Yes!'
And here we are, training for a 26.2 run through Minneapolis and Saint Paul, running for every person that has been blessed with the care of Children's Hospitals and Clinics, and for every person that will walk through their doors in the days ahead.
Thank you for reading my story, and for supporting this amazing organization.
