Children's Minnesota is incredibly important to me because of the impact it has had on two amazing kids in my life: my cousin Ben and my close family friend Will. Watching their strength, resilience, and positive spirits through life's challenges has been truly inspiring. I'm honored to be running the Twin Cities 10 Mile in their honor and supporting the Together for Families Fund, which helps ensure children and families receive the exceptional wrap-around care Children's Minnesota is known for.

Their stories are a powerful reminder of the difference Children's Minnesota makes, and I'd love to share a little about each of them below.

Will: Will is a happy, outgoing 11yo boy who has been diagnosed with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome. Will has frequent, severe and ever evolving seizures. His seizures began when he was 1 but have progressed significantly in the past three years and he has had several hospitalizations. His world has shrunk greatly due to the frequency and severity of his seizures. He is no longer able to ride a bike, swim, play sports like he used to and most importantly, be as social as he once was. Surprisingly, one of his favorite places to go is Children’s! Because of the incredible team at Children’s, Will actually looks forward to his hospital stays. No fear, no trauma, just the most amazing, fun-loving and supportive team helping him navigate his challenges (and even better he gets to miss school! ;)) Will also likes to play pranks and practical jokes on people, he has the most fun spirit! He is an avid outdoorsman and fisherman. Will could spend all day everyday with a fishing rod in his hand no matter the season or the weather!  Despite his health struggles, Will always has a smile on his face and the most positive attitude.

Ben: Ben has 18q deletion syndrome, a rare condition caused by missing genetic material from the long arm of chromosome 18. Its effects vary according to the location and extent of the deletion. This condition has caused Ben developmental delays, low muscle tone, hearing loss, and differences affecting his feet and ears. From the beginning, Children's Hospital was a part of our world. Ben had multiple surgeries there and was able to connect to multiple specialty care clinics along the way.  Ben is now 15 years old and while the challenges still remain, he has come so far from where he started. We will always be grateful for the excellent care that put our family on a path of success.

These two amazing boys inspire me every day. If their stories have touched you too, I'd be grateful for your support. Every donation will receive a match from a $5M gift given by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.