I'm so excited to share that I'll be running the 2024 Boston Marathon as part of the Miles for Miracles Team, to help raise money for all the brave kids and families at Boston Children's Hospital.
This hospital really does make miracles happen, and I'm reminded of that every time I see my little nephew, Owen. Owen is my godson, my greatest source of inspiration, and the reason I am running.
When my cousin Kristen told me she and her husband Landon were expecting their first child, my heart flushed with joy. Kristen has been like an older sister to me my entire life, and thanks to our big Italian family and generations of traditions, cousins might as well be siblings. We all shared in the pure joy of Kristen and Landon’s news and were so excited to meet the next addition to the family!
But at Kristen and Landon's 20-week ultrasound appointment, they receieved news that no parents should ever have to hear. Their baby boy was diagnosd with the life-threatening condition of a Congenital Diapragmatic Hernia (CDH). This meant he had a hole in his diaphragm, which caused his organs to grow into his chest and restrict the development of his lungs. They were told the devasting news that their baby was "incompatible with life" and would not survive. That's when Kristen and Landon turned to Boston Children's Hospital.
Here, they met with the top CDH doctors who gave them the encouraging news that, though nothing is guaranteed, their baby had a chance.
Owen brightened our world on March 3rd, 2022. He was rushed into a multiple-hour, life-saving surgery, and placed on life support. When Owen was just 11 days old, Kristen and Landon told us we could come meet him. I swear, underneath all the tubes and machines helping him to survive, this little boy was smiling, and his eyes were full of life.
Over the next 3.5 months, I got to visit Owen, Kristen and Landon at the hospital, and watch as Owen grew stronger and stronger. There were good days and not-so-good days, but a few things never wavered ... Day in and day out, Owen receieved the best medical care available thanks to the incredible team of doctors, nurses, and medical professionals at BCH. Day in and day out, Kristen and Landon never lost belief in their son and his ability to overcome his condition. Day in and day out, Owen fought to prove that he was going to beat the odds he was given. And, after 116 days in the hospital, he did just that.
I'm running for all the doctors, nurses, and medical staff at Boston Children's Hospital so that they can keep giving chances to kids like Owen. I'm running for Kristen and Landon; your unwavering strength and positivity helped this miracle to happen (and thank you for bringing Owen into our lives!). And I'm running for our little guy, Owen.
Owen - your giggle is contagious, your love of life is infectious, and at just over one-and-a-half years old, you have no idea what you've already accomplished, but we sure can't wait to tell you about it someday.
I'm honored to be running for this incredible organization alongside Owen's dad Landon, and my sister (another proud aunt!) Emily. We each have the individual goal of raising $11,600, $100 for every day Owen was in the hospital. We appreciate anything you can contribute and look forward to watching more miracles happen! Thank you!
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.