When my daughter, Emelia, was 6 days old, she was diagnosed with Congenital Hypothyroidism, a rare condition, in which a baby is born with either a low performing/non-working thyroid, or in my daughter's case, no thyroid at all.  If left untreated or treated after the baby is 13 days old, it can lead to serious health conditions.  We walked into her first endocrinology appointment at Boston Children's Hospital when she was 7 days old, and her doctor immediately put our worries at ease, stating this is her favorite condition to treat, because in most cases, kids with this condition, will grow up to be healthy, "normal" people, with little to no side effects.  All it will take is one pill, given every day for the rest of her life, and monthly blood tests for the first year, followed by yearly blood tests after that to check her TSH and T4 levels.  So, Emelia starting taking her Thyroid medication pill at 7 days old and every month we went to Children's for her blood tests.  She has grown into a happy, healthy, energetic, dramatic 17 year old.

However, it was on these visits to the hospital, that I saw the children and families who had received much scarier and more challenging and serious diagnoses.  I could only imagine the struggles, strength and support these children and their families needed.   From help with childcare for other kids, to transportation, to meals, to funds, to the emotional toll of having your child staying in the hospital, in some cases fighting for their lives, taking care of your own mental health to be there for your child. And the children, not being able to do all the kid things, like go to parties, school, playdates, activities, etc.   I wanted to help.

I began participating in Yoga Reaches Out Yogathon in 2016, because I am passionate about helping kids and families at Boston Children's Hospital. On April 23, I'll join a community of more than 1,400 at Gillette Stadium for an inspirational day of yoga, music, and fundraising - all to bring lifesaving answers and hope to the sickest children from around the world.