Our Journey
Some of you may not know this story, but my life had a challenging start. In the fall of 1987, I was born with a rare condition called Cystic Hygroma. Fluid-filled sacs in my neck and throat made it difficult for me to breathe, and at just 1 year old, I had to go on life support.
Thankfully, Boston Children’s Hospital was only 30 minutes away from where we lived. My parents turned to their skilled and compassionate team, who provided the care I desperately needed. They gave me a second chance at life—a gift I’ve carried with me for 37 years, especially now as a father of three.
I never thought my early fight for survival would come full circle, but that changed on May 8, 2023. At 5:12 AM that morning, our youngest son, Landon, was born. For a few minutes, everything felt perfect—until he began showing signs of respiratory distress. By that afternoon, I was on a helicopter by his side, watching as he was airlifted to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida.
The next five weeks were the most difficult and emotionally exhausting of my life. Landon was diagnosed with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), a severe condition that required ECMO—a machine that took over the work of his heart and lungs, giving his tiny body the time it needed to rest and heal. He faced enormous challenges, including a stroke, but thanks to the care of an incredible medical team, unwavering support from family and friends, and a series of small wins and big miracles, he made it through.
As Landon approaches his second birthday this May, he is a thriving, joyful toddler who continues to defy every odd stacked against him. He’s a living testament to the power of modern medicine, hope, resilience, and love. These reasons are why I’ll be racing in the 2025 Boston Marathon, raising funds to support the life-saving care that gave both Landon and me a second chance.
Racing for Miracles
I’m honored to have been accepted to Boston Children’s “Miles for Miracles” race team for the 129th Boston Marathon this April. Every step of those 26.2 miles will be for Landon—and for the countless children who need the same kind of care and miracles.
Patients at Boston Children’s Hospital benefit from:
Unmatched Expertise: Boston Children’s is home to one of the largest pediatric ECMO programs in the world—the same kind of expertise that saved Landon’s life. Pioneering Research: Boston Children’s breakthroughs have paved the way for treating conditions like cystic hygroma—the rare and life-threatening condition I was born with—as well as cancer and congenital heart defects. Compassionate Care: Programs like music and art therapy bring joy, even during the toughest times. Family Support: The social work teams at these incredible hospitals play a vital role. In our experience, they helped our older boys understand their baby brother’s condition and feel connected to his journey.
This marathon is more than a race—it’s a way to give back and honor the care that gave my family a second chance. It’s not just about me or Landon; it’s about the thousands of families who turn to Boston Children’s each year, the medical teams who make miracles happen, and the hope that every child gets the chance to grow, thrive, and experience life’s joys. Thank you for supporting this journey and helping make miracles possible.
Make A Difference
Every donation, no matter the size, brings hope and healing to families. On April 21st, as I cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon, I’ll carry your belief in the power of miracles with me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me reach my goal of raising $15,000+.
With gratitude,
Nicholas Kukla
