I run for my patient partner & daughter Colleen age 12, & all the girls and boys whose parents innately know that if "something’s wrong, we’re going to Childrens right now!"

That moment for us came with an intense ambulance ride to the worst night of our lives in 2010 when Colleen at 6 months had RSV and both lungs were collapsed. At one point 3 docs and 5 or 6 nurses surrounded her, pounding her barely 10lb frame to loosen her lungs enough to allow for oxygen to process. Unbeknownst to us, a percentage of formula and liquids had been channelled to her lungs for months due to a cleft in her larynx. That 9 day sojourn was followed by a repeat 8 day stay 3 months later. The cleft was surgically repaired by the “throat whisperer” Dr. Rabar when she was 2+.  They had to wait until her body was a bit larger to have space to work!

Colleen had other issues from birth including a chromosomal translocation detected in utero which frightened us to death then, and remains a genetic mystery being studied today. Post birth came hearing loss, and extreme far-sightedness thankfully determined at 9 months leading to a litany of colorful glasses that have brough joy to all who’ve known her. Joint issues, hypotonia, curved spine, and learning challenges followed from our birth-to-date visits that total nearly 200 trips to Longwood Ave. By the 1st birthday she had a dozen MDs following her.  Disappearing ear drums were repaired by the “ear whisperer” Dr. Po at age 9 and then 11. Countless audiology visits and dozens of blood draws and x-rays occurred, ALL WITH A CHEERFUL SMILE FROM MY PERSONAL HERO!  Colleen is a happy middle schooler with friends and enjoys gymnastics, swimming, softball, and TikTokking!

I run for the families we’ve met from all corners of the lower 48 and foreign countries who come, stay, and temporarily live in hotels and places like Yawkey Family Inn until their child hopefully improves. World class doctors, nurses, CNAs, parking attendants all display incredible empathy toward distraught parents and their sick children. These professionals, along with an incredible mother and amazing therapists have allowed 6th grader Colleen to continue a journey to her maximum potential. For me, this is an easy request to make:

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