I received a challenge email to consider running Grandma's' Marathon in Duluth, MN to raise money for a very special cause. 

Paul Marvin's daughter, Mary Kate, has Down Syndrome and an associated congenital heart defect.  At the age of 3 months, she had open heart surgery to repair faulty valves in her heart.  At the age of two, she suffered a near-fatal renal kidney failure.  She made an against-the-odds recovery, but the stress of that kidney failure “blew out” her repaired heart valves, forcing her to endure another open heart surgery a few months later.  She has never looked backed, growing healthy, strong, and happy every day since.  She is now almost 6 years old.  She has changed their lives in ways they could never have dreamed of, and continues to be a wondrous blessing to all those who get to be in her presence. 

At every step of Mary Kate’s journey has been Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota.  This amazing organization is more than world-class pediatrics.  It is a resource, refuge, and source of inspiration for thousands of kids and families. 

Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota is

• One of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States—with two hospitals, 12 primary and specialty care clinics and six rehabilitation sites
• The only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children from before birth through young adulthood
• An award-winning health system, regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top children’s hospital

Children’s sponsors “Team Superstars”.  Any runner can be a part of Team Superstars by pledging to raise either $750 to run the full marathon or $1000 to run the half marathon. 

By running Grandma's Marathon along with the other members of Team Superstars we get the satisfaction of knowing we are helping contribute to an organization that serves thousands of kids every year in life-saving and life-changing ways.  And although many of these kids’ families lack insurance or financial resources to pay, Children’s of MN never turns away a child in need of critical care.  When your mission is to save lives, ability to pay does not enter into the equation.  That is part of the reason philanthropy is so important to Children’s. 

I will be designating the cardiovascular unit as the beneficiary of the money I raise. 

Because this cause is so important to Paul and Maureen, they will be matching any funds I raise so Children's can benefit twice as much.  The race fee, transportation, accommodation, and any other associated costs are my personal responsibility, so all donations go directly to Children's.

With your donation, you will be joining Team Superstars in helping to meet the medical needs of children.  Simply click on the "Donate Now" buttton to make your donation.

Thank you for supporting this worthwhile cause.

Gratefully,

Mark