I am so excited to be running my first ever marathon in support of Children's! If you know anything about me, you know how passionate I am about kids. Children's Hospital, especially, holds a special place in my heart.
As a brand new parent five years ago, my little two-month old baby boy, Eli, spent a week in Pediatric Intensive Care at Children's with a respiratory infection in the heart of flu season. He was taken my ambulance to Children's Minneapolis, and it was a horribly stressful experience. The staff, doctor's, and nurses took great care of not only him, but of myself and his daddy. They graciously gave us a room at the Ronald McDonald House, and provided a 24-hr nurse to him. Of course, Eli has fully recovered and is now a witty and charming five-year old boy who is counting down the days until he gets to go to kindergarten.
When his little brother was born, we unfortunately lived through the same experience, though not nearly as serious as with Eli. Little Bennie caught the same respiratory virus, and spent nearly a week in the ICU. We never left his side, and the team at Children's St. Paul were exceptional. There was one night where a nurse came by Bennie's room with a cart full of toys and stuffed animals. It brought tears to my eyes, because these were toys that only came to be from other's generosity. I picked out a giant gray stuffed elephant for Ben, one that he still sleeps with to this day.
Having a sick child is one of the most stressful things a parent can endure, but Children's Minneapolis, and Children's St. Paul treated both our children with the utmost care, love, and compassion. I'm honored to raise money for such an extraordinary organization, in hopes of helping future families with sick little ones.
I thank you in advance for your donation, however big or small. You are without a doubt making a difference in the life of a family and for that, I thank you.
