Dear Family and Friends,
I am excited to share that I've been selected as a charity runner for Boston Children’s Hospital Miles for Miracles in the upcoming Boston Marathon scheduled for April 15, 2024. The incredible opportunity holds a special place in my heart as it’s in honor of my daughter, Emma. It's a privilege to be able to raise donations and awareness for the hospital that played a pivotal role in restoring our daughter's health.
In December 2016, our lives forever changed. What was supposed to be a happy time for our family, returning to the U.S. after living in Sweden for over 3yrs, was marred by Emma contracting an unknown virus. This virus brought about a multitude of symptoms, the most agonizing was an unrelenting 24/7/365 headache that defied all attempts at treatment.
Emma's dedicated pediatrician, who had been with her since birth, conducted extensive research, consulted with colleagues, and exhaustively tested her for every known disease, but we remained without answers. Frustration mounting, we made the decision to bring Emma to Boston Children’s after her pain soared to level 10. We loaded her into the car and raced to the ER. The staff immediately sensed our desperation, and when I handed the doctor my large binder filled with every test result to date, they reassured us that they were committed to helping Emma. That pivotal night marked the beginning of our family's journey at Boston Children's Hospital.
I'd like to bring awareness to two remarkable programs at BCH that I believe the world should know about: the Pediatric Headache Program and the Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Program (PPRC). Emma's debilitating headache was eventually diagnosed as New Daily Persistent Headache thanks to the remarkable team in the Pediatric Headache program – and thanks in large part to the care and coping skills she gained through the PPRC, Emma learned how to resume living her life. With time, many of her symptoms have showed improvement, but her headache continues to be a daily battle.
Last year, when Emma turned 18, her doctor recommended that she try medical Botox. She now undergoes this treatment every 12 weeks, which has truly enabled her to pursue her dreams. This includes studying biology and health sciences at UNH, working part-time, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Without the compassionate doctors and staff at BCH, I shudder to think where we might be today. Boston Children's Hospital has become our home away from home, a place where we feel heard and supported. We hold onto hope for future treatments, firmly believing in the care Emma continues to receive to this day.
I have set an ambitious fundraising goal of $20,000, and with the support of family and friends like you, I am confident that I can reach this ambitious goal. I kindly ask if you would consider donating in honor of Emma and children like her, who face the daily challenges of living with a chronic illness. Every contribution, regardless of the currency, is most welcome.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our cause. Our family firmly believes in miracles, which is why I am committed to running 26.2 miles in the Boston Marathon.
With sincere appreciation,
Jen