I am running the 2018 Grandma's Marathon in honor of Isaiah Reither, who's story is detailed below in his parents' post.  My son Caleb was born the around the same time as Isaiah and had to spend a few days in the hospital when he was two months old. Seeing some of the other children in the hospital during that time gave me a close connection to them and their families, and how important it is for them to receive the best medical and palliative care possible. 

During the following seven years we prayed for Isaiah during his many stays at Children's Hospital. And the story Jeff and Laura tell about their experience there shows just how big a difference this hospital can make. Not only did Isaiah benefit from the best doctors and medical technology available, but also the best staff and nurses that have devoted their lives to easing the pain of children and their families. 

I get misty just thinking about it again.  

"The staff always cared for Isaiah like he was their only child."

Isn't that what you would want if your kid was in the hospital? We have it, right here in Minnesota--but it is possible only with the generous financial support from the community. Please consider making a donation to Children's Hospital in honor of Isaiah so this great hospital can be there for all of the children in the upper Midwest when they and their families need it most. 

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You never want to have to know how blessed you are to have Children's Hospital in Minnesota.  But if you need them, you will thank God they are close.  

Children's Hospital was home to Isaiah for over 500 nights with over 50 admittances.  It was his second home.  While there, he had 5 open-heart surgeries, numerous pneumonias, multiple strokes, and more needle pokes than one could count.  Even though illness was the reason for his stays, Isaiah loved Children's.  

The staff always cared for Isaiah like he was their only child.  Oddly, he would often perk up once he arrived at Children's.  He thought the world of the staff and so did his family.  Children's not only cared for Isaiah, they cared for his entire family.  All of Isaiah's 8 siblings loved going to the hospital to see Isaiah.  The staff was always accommodating to their needs and questions.  

Please consider donating to this great organization.  All donations are tax-deductible. Like Children's quality of care, our fundraising goal is high.  But with your help, we can make a difference in the lives of children.