In October, I’m lacing my running shoes back up and taking on a 10-mile race with a deeply personal mission: to raise awareness and funds for Children's Minnesota in honor of our heart warrior and with gratitude for the amazing care Childrens Minnesota has provided to our entire family.

Our journey began when our son, Jacob, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in-utero. Our hearts crumbled the day we received his diagnosis, and the Children's Minnesota team was there to lift us up with empathy and a plan that helped get Jacob the life saving care he needed. From the moment we received his diagnosis, through his entire 45 day stay, and now as we manage life after surgery, the Children's Minnesota team has gone above and beyond to not only support Jacob, but to consider the entire family in how they support their patients. They have demonstrated what compassionate, patient-centered care truly means.

That’s why I’m running — for the tiniest fighters, for the families in the thick of uncertainty, and for the hope that every baby with CHD can get the care they need to thrive. Every mile I run is for a heart that beats stronger with your help.

Please consider donating to support lifesaving research, treatment, and family support services for the 160,000+ children and their families that Children's MN supports every year. Together, we can make a difference — one step, one heartbeat at a time.

To show our gratitude, our family will be dollar for dollar matching donations up to $1000.