It was only in February when I decided to run my first marathon.  I thought 26.2 miles, roughly 4 hours of nonstop running, would seem like forever.  This is nothing compared to what some children and their families are enduring at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota every day, as they seek out life saving treatments for the ones they love.  I will be running this marathon to support Children's and their cause.

Here is a little bit of info about Children's Hospitals and Clinics, taken from their website, www.childrensmn.org

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. 

I began this journey with an invite to join the Children's team, through my girlfriend Emily.  We went to the meeting planning on running at least 10 miles.  She prepared me before the meeting, they would be introducing us to the marathon entries.  With very limited entries for the 10 mile race, my heart told me to go for the marathon.  My mind took a little bit to catch up to it, but I followed my heart.  After all, every child deserves to have a chance to live a full and healthy life.

Thank you for your support!

Ryan