In October, I’ll be lacing up my running shoes once again to take on the Twin Cities 10 Mile, running for heart warriors everywhere because of my own heart warrior, Jacob.

Last year was my first race back after welcoming twins and the first time I ran in honor of Jacob and the incredible care our family received from Children's Minnesota. This year, I’m running again because our gratitude for this team and our desire to support other heart families has only grown, just like our sweet boy.

Our journey began when Jacob was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in utero. The day we received that diagnosis felt overwhelming, but the team at Children's Minnesota met us with empathy, expertise, and a plan that helped guide us through one of the most difficult chapters of our lives. From the moment of diagnosis, through Jacob’s 45-day hospital stay, and now as we continue navigating life after surgery, the Children's Minnesota team has gone above and beyond to care not just for Jacob, but for our entire family.

They have shown us what compassionate, patient-centered care truly looks like.

That’s why I’m running again this year, for the tiniest fighters, for the families living through the uncertainty of a diagnosis, and for the hope that every child with congenital heart disease has access to the lifesaving care they need to thrive. Every mile I run represents a heartbeat and a family whose life can be changed by the care and research made possible through Children's Minnesota.

Please consider donating to support lifesaving research, treatment, and family support services for the children and families Children's Minnesota serves. Together, we can make a difference — one step, one heartbeat at a time.

To show our gratitude, our family will once again match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000.