Born big, happy, and seemingly healthy on April 15th, 2022. Just prior to being discharged, Sam was found to have a critical congenital heart defect. Less than 36 hours later, at 3 days old, Sam underwent a 7 hour open heart surgery to save his life. It was Patriot’s Day, Marathon Monday.
That night, standing crib side, with Sam on a ventilator, his chest still open from surgery, I decided if Sam made it to his second birthday we would be back in Boston to conquer the Marathon together.
I am running to say thank you to the absolutely AMAZING team at Boston Children’s Hospital. To thank the hundreds of doctors, nurses, and staff that literally saved Sam’s life. We felt like Sam had an Army of Angels protecting him every step of the way. They have given us so much hope and joy.
I am running for Sam. He has already inspired and taught me so much, I only hope to do the same for him. I want to show him that through hard work and perseverance, we can do hard things. Somehow, I think he already knows. During every training run, I am overcome with gratitude for my beautiful family, without which, none of this would be possible.
Finally, I am running for all the children with congenital heart defects that have not had the same opportunities as Sam. In my lifetime, these children, often known as “Blue Babies”, have gone from an almost certain death sentence, to many leading long, happy lives, but there is still so far to go, so many more children to reach. Boston Children’s Hospital is on the forefront of saving these children, please join me in supporting the hospital in carrying out this mission.
Since his first surgery, Sam is thriving, and annoying his big sister daily. Sam has undergone a second open heart surgery, with a third on the way. He is the sweetest, happiest boy you could meet. He is wise beyond his years, and you would never know all that he has overcome. We thank God for BCH everyday.
*Update. This winter while taking Images prepairing for Sam's third Heart Surgery, the team at BCH found a mass on his Kidney. The mass was found to be a cancerous tumor. Urgent surgery was scheduled, and the cancer was removed. Because it was found so early no Chemotherapy was needed. Sam is now 3 months free of Cancer. Just another reason why BCH is the best Pediatric Hospital in the Country. *
Every dollar I raise funds the very best medical care, breakthrough research and vital support services for sick kids and their families. Your gift will:
- help children from your town and across the world get a second chance at life;
- give kids battling the most complex diseases care they can't find anywhere else;
- fuel 3,000+ researchers working to develop new treatments and cures;
- support patient programs, like music and art therapy, to let kids be kids, even during long hospital stays;
- help patient families in crisis with urgent needs, such as food, clothing and housing;
- deliver the most compassionate, leading-edge care to every child who needs it.
Please support my fundraising and help the incredible kids and families at Boston Children's Hospital.