Cecilia Anna will be turning 16 this October 5th, a celebration her journey from being born 10 weeks early and weighing 2 lbs, 14 oz. to the  amazing young woman she has become .  In honor of how deeply our lives have been impacted by Children's hospital - and the many ways they have made it possible for Cecilia to thrive - I have joined the Children's Hospital charity team for the Twin Cities Marathon.  Let me share with you a few of the many instances in which her life has improved thanks to Children's:

-The instant she was born they gave her medicine which inflated her lungs and allowed her to breathe.(This really could be the only thing on my list.....right?  And if you are short on time, feel free to skip to the end where I ask for a donation.  If you have time - I have more to share:)

-Operated on her brain as a new born and a one year old to manage Hydrocephalus and give her a life expectancy beyond 4 years

-Connected us with a wonderful Pediatrician who has helped to care for her physical AND emotional health since the beginning

-Treated her Cerebral Palsy with botox which allowed her calf to relax so she was not perpetually on her tip toe - gave her a stronger leg and more stability - so she could move in all that she does with greater ease

-Studied her brain activity in the Pediatric Epilepsy Unit - where her Neurologist was able to prescribe meds that have allowed her to live seizure free for almost 5 years. (Halelujah!)

-Admited her to emergency room - or hospital -to care for her while recovering from Scary long seizures - where the child life department brings toys/movies/books/games/crafts-mindful of the ways to help a child be at ease during a scary situation

-Administer Neuropsych Studies which help us to advise and manage her IEP in school - where she is very successful and well cared for

-Stitched up her head when she bashed it into a piano when she was 3 while playing tag - (oh wait, that was Elena)

Whenever she spends time at Children's we are so grateful to the compassion and care she receives from everyone she encounters.  These people are called to administer to children.  They have helped bring about real miracles in our lives - I have heard stories of other families experiences - and I can only imagine the countless children this hospital has cared for.  Please consider making a donation to my fundraising page to help us celebrate Cecilia's truly blessed life.

Thank you,

Theresa