Thank you for taking the time to visit my fundraising page! 

I've joined the Miles for Miracles/Team Extra Mile Team because I believe so strongly in all the amazing things Boston Children's Hospital does for kids:

• The hospital's patient care programs are unusually sensitive to what sick and injured children and their families really need.
• Researchers regularly make amazing discoveries that change children's lives. 
• Boston Children's welcomes kids whose families can't afford health care--more than any other hospital in Massachusetts.
• Community programs makes a point of reaching out to help low-income and at-risk kids.

The hospital doesn't just stop there. Boston Children's really understands the importance of training the next generation of top pediatricians and nurses, so they can continue to provide the best, most innovative care possible to kids.

My daughter Grace, was diagnosed with severe Crohn's Disease at the age of seven.  Crohn's Disease is an autoimmune disease in which there is there is chronic inflammation of the intestines the GI tract.  It can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus.  It is moremost commonly found at the end of the small intestine (ileum),  It can also affect the eyes, skin, and joints.  Children with CD also experience growth failure, malnutrition, pubertal delay, and bone demineralization.  Grace, also, suffers from chronic C-Diff. infections and has undergone two fecal transplants.  She currently takes a regimen of supplements, steroids, antibiotics and injections of Stelara every 6 weeks.  She is closely followed by GI, Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Oncology, Rheumatology and Opthamology, all at Boston Children's Hospital. 

We are so very fortunate to live an hour (without traffic) away from the greatest children's hospital in the WORLD!  Grace has some of the most amazing Doctor's, Nurses, and Support Staff on her team.  Thanks to them, Grace is able to be an ordinary teenager - most of the time.  She brings so much joy to our family.  Grace is smart (straight A student), compassionate, happy, and fun.  

I have chosen to participate in the Concept 2, World Challenge and have joined team ErgFit.  Each team rows, skis, or rides as many meters as they can  between  March 15 and April 15.   My personal goal is 1 MILLION METERS!  ErgFit is located in the Kilburn Mill, 127 West Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford, MA.  ErgFit is an amzing gym owned by Brad Cardoza. Classes utilize the Concept2 rower, ski and bike along with low impact strength training.  If, you live in the area and are interested in a great workout, the first class is always free!

Please help support Boston Children's Hospital and make a donation today!  Any and all donations are greatly appreciated, no matter how big or small!

Lots of Love,

Michael, Jennifer, Grace,

Jack, Jillian, Christopher & Ryan Hughes xoxo