The run/walk is "Running for Hope" the $ goes to the Ronald McDonald House and Hope Children's Hospital. Two of the most important and meaningful places to my cousin Liz and her husband Ted. Their son Leo was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) before being born. He actually had multiple defects; within 24 hrs of birth he had open heart surgery. He had multiple complications, lots of ups and downs but through it all he fought to be here. The Ronald McDonald House at Hope opened in Dec. 2009, Liz and Ted had already been at the hospital a few months before sleeping on waiting room chairs, in the car, a nearby motel, anywhere to be close to their son. So when the house opened up it gave Ted and Liz a home, an opportunity to take care of themselves, most importantly a place that was as close as they could possibly be to their son. Knowing they could be there in a heartbeat when and if needed was such a relief to them, one less thing to worry about. 15 months later after multiple surgeries and a tracheotomy they were able to bring Leo home. He was at home a little under 3 months when he became an angel.
We do the run to honor his spirit, his strength, his courage, his determination, and to help families who need the Ronald McDonald House. We do it to support Liz and Ted in a very small way and to let them know they are an inspiration to us all.
Please donate and make a difference. If you donate a minimum of $25 you will be entered into a raffle for a new coach purse!
http://www.active.com/donate/runningforhope2012/LeoSak
Every year there is more and more of us and it's great to see family and friends come out and support this great cause. Leo wasn't with us long but his strong desire to fight left an ever lasting impression in all of our hearts.
Our first walk:
Last year:
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