I have wanted to run the full Twin Cities Marathon for some time now given the rumours of it being one of the most beautiful marathons in the country.  So, after running the TC10 mile in 2017 I did not allow myself the comfort of time for the feeling of that accomplishment to fade, and I signed up for the 2018 full marathon as soon as I could.  What I did not expect at the time was to become a charity athlete. During the registration process I saw that there was an opportunity to run and fundraise for the most amazing people on earth and their families, and without hesitation I felt compelled to sign up to join the team and help support this tremendous organization.     

On the first Sunday in October I will be honored to run for all of the most amazing people on earth, but more specifically our son Bennett and friends Chris & Bria Skordahl’s son Jack (both pictured with me in my profile picture).  Their stories…

Meet Bennett Cole

When Bennett was about 1 month old, we noticed his head was consistently rotating over his left shoulder when we laid him on his back. After a discussion with our pediatrician, we were referred to Children's Minnesota Rehabilitation Clinic for physical therapy where he was diagnosed with torticollis - an asymmetrical neck position which causes the neck to turn to one side. The physical therapist immediately began working with Bennett to do different stretching techniques and active strengthening exercises. We were also given detailed daily home program activities, which the PT modified as Bennett grew to match his development.

Because of the torticollis, Bennett was always putting pressure on the left side of his head and he therefore also developed plagiocephaly - a flattening of one side of the skull. This time we were referred to Children's Craniofacial Clinic who helped us determine the need for a cranial remolding helmet which would round out his head as he grew over the next 3-4 months.

We have felt so fortunate to have our son in the care of these amazing specialists from Children's Minnesota. They have been thorough, informative and compassionate throughout this entire process. Because of their steadfast guidance, Bennett has made remarkable improvements and a rapid recovery.

Meet Jack Skordahl (through the words of his parents)

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Jack Skordahl was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in March of 2016 at the age of 2 years old.  Although this news was devastating, we are grateful that this form of leukemia has a very good prognosis and cure rate. Jack has been receiving all of his medical treatment at Children’s Hospital and Hem/Onc Clinic in Minneapolis.  His treatment is over 3 years long, so he has gotten to really know and love the staff at the the hospital and clinic. At the beginning, this was such a scary place for Jack, but through so much support from so many at Children’s, Jack is more and more comfortable with each visit.  The Cancer Kids Fund provides many great things that aid families in their time at Children’s. We received toys, pillow cases, twins tickets, paid parking passes and more to bring some relief and joy to our family during such a hard time. I remember one time Jack would not stop crying and the Child Life specialist came in with a new paw patrol puzzle that Jack could open, play with and take home after his treatment that day.  It was the only thing that would calm him down and we were so grateful. Jack still has tough weeks after treatment and about a year left to go. It is a long journey, but we are so glad we are receiving such good care at Children’s.

Designation of Funds:

Please consider making a donation directly to my campaign!  All dollars raised will go directly to these amazing kids who show their strength and perseverence every day through whatever battle they are fighting; as well as help comfort their parents who might not otherwise have the means to obtain this specialized care for their little ones.  I have designated all fundraising dollars to be split between the Cancer Kids Fund, the General Pediatrics Program and the Charity Care Program:

CKF - https://www.childrensmn.org/services/care-specialties-departments/cancer-blood-disorders/resources/cancer-kids-fund/

CCP - At Children’s, no child is turned away...ever. We are proud to be able to provide the very best care to every child we see regardless of their family’s financial status. You can help support Children’s efforts to serve all families across the organization in need of specialized pediatric care by designating your gift to our charity care program.