hello! thank you for clicking on my page and being willing to help me help others by paying it forward in memory of a dear, loving, giving friend.
On July 10, 2016, I hosted a dinner with some close friends I met through running in the past 8 years. Mary O'Neill was one of those friends, who had a heart so big, and a spirit so bright, we couldn't have ever forseen the heartbreaking 10 weeks ahead.
Mary believed in everyone no matter size, age, gender, race, and she especially loved being able to help and support children and children's causes. She worked tirelessly and proudly for KS95 and was on the board for Twin Cities in Motion, that organizes many road racing events a year, culminating in the Twin Cities 10 mile and Marathon in October. Both entities also host annual kids events to better the health of famlies and children, a cause so strong for her to work for.On September 5th, we lost a very loving, caring friend, sister, wife, mother, and dear person to so many.
Mary didn't believe in anything but making a goal and making it happen. Whether in work life, in her personal life, or in her health, she would have a plan, work the plan, make it happen. I am carrying her spirit in the Garry Bjorkland Half Marathon on Saturday, June 17th, in Duluth, a race that she ran a number of times, and loved being a part of her with posse.
I decided to run not only for Mary, but also to help others, specifically children. I work as a full time children's librarian, and through this career path, I have met and watched hundreds of children and families grow, learn, play, sing, and talk, every week, and it's been a humbling and rewarding experience. To get to know many of my 'regulars' and see their kids thrive has been a blessing. Over the years, both friends, colleagues and acquantinces I may not know as well have found themselves at one time or another at Children's Hospital & Clinics in St Paul. With a team of amazing doctors, nurses, and support staff who specialize in medical care for children, we're very fortunate to have such an amazing resource so close by to help our local kids heal from illness and injury in such a comforting place. I expect you can personally name multiple friends or family members who have had to utitilze such a specialized hospital for their loved ones under age 17. Be it a sudden fall, injury or illness that heals in days or is prolonged for years, I'm thankful for Children's being a part of our community to take care of our youngest loved ones.
My goal of $1000 is the starting point. Any amount can help. Whether you are a parent with first hand experience at Children's, or a neighbor, friend, family member who is related to anyone who's had kids admitted to Children's at one time or another, you know what a blessing it is to have such great health care to help them heal. Children's helps every patient who needs it. I thank you for your time, your generosity no matter big or small, and for your support. In a world full of so much sadnesss, I want to help bring the light to others. Peace, calm, even joy. Blessed be.
