Many of us have an organization that is dear to our hearts. The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is mine. For those of you who do not know, Toronto’s Sick Kids is considered one of the best children’s hospitals in the world. Thank goodness for the thousands of families who have had to use it – including ours.
In 2006, 3 months after my youngest son was born, my oldest (then 5 years old) was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Imagine a tennis ball squished into the back of a 5 year old’s head, right next to the cerebellum; that was about the size of what our guy was carrying. I could write volumes of that 6 month ordeal, but I won’t. What I will tell you is that we had a happy ending; we continue to be monitored by Sick Kids and Number One, whom I’ve been asked to now call “Skipper” in the BlogWorld is healthy.
A few months ago, we talked about fundraising for Sick Kids, and Skipper and I came up with the idea of a race for kids. From that, Kids Running for Kids – a virtual run – came to fruition.
So, what does this mean?
Between the dates of June 19th and June 27th, run 1K with your child, children, neighbour’s kiddos – anyone who is under 16 years of age. If you have a Fun Run for Kids at a race you are participating in, use that as your distance. Perhaps there is a Father’s Day Run in your neighbourhood that you can do with your family.
Anyone under the age of 16 years (the same ages who receive treatment from Sick Kids) can participate. Simply donate $2 to our fundraising page and let me know that you are participating by leaving a comment here. There will be a prize for one lucky sub-16 year runner (TBA)!
Anyone over the age of 16 is also welcome to participate and donate by visiting our fundraising page.
Spread the word, please. Post this on your blog, on Twitter, Facebook – anywhere that is read by your friends and followers.
SickKids was there for us when we needed it. Now, we are trying to help make sure it is there for others.
I donated, the kids are supposed to do a Fun Run tomorrow in Philly at the triathlon expo.
If that fails, we'll hit the local park.
Ok we're in. I'll let you know how the run goes later 🙂
What a GREAT idea!! I will link this is early this week.
Wow. I'm so sorry you all had to go through all of that. I'm off to donate on your page, not sure if my six year old can run a 1k, but I'll get my niece or nephew to run it with me!
I cannot imagine what you went through; although I have a little idea because a friend of mine dealt with something similar with her 3 year old. We have another kids' race coming up. I'll make sure to get the kids involved and will be back to donate.
First of all–can NOT even imagine what you went through. So glad it came out ok for you all. Secondly, what a great cause! I'm going to post about it on my sidebar. Good luck with it!