CMN Hospitals Miracle Maker Spotlight: Every Step Has Purpose

I became involved with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals when my twins, Logan and Lennon, were born 7 weeks early and required immediate and ongoing care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Spending the first few weeks of their life in the hospital was overwhelming for me, and I began running to work through them, finding peace in the solitude. Once they came home, we invested in a worthy jogging stroller and began logging miles together.

When my twins were 5 months old I signed up for my first race and ran the 5K during the 2013 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. The next scheduled runDisney event was Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend and though it was sold out, I saw the link for Charity Groups. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was the presenting sponsor of the race weekend. It made perfect sense to run for the organization that supports the life-saving research and treatments at our local children’s hospital. My first Princess Half Marathon was just after their first birthday, and I am overjoyed that they have joined me for the past five years as Kids Races participants.

Possibly due to his premature birth, Logan has continued to face additional struggles, both medical and psychological. We are lucky to have a CMN hospital nearby (John's Hopkins All Children's Hospital) where Logan receives ongoing care for hearing loss due to nerve damage. Just before turning 6, he was additionally diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and went through a tonsillectomy to correct obstructive sleep apnea. Throughout all these hurdles, he remains resilient. Logan loves his caregivers, and they love him back.

This race is close to my heart. During Princess Weekend I run for my boys and the 10 million other kids just like them who are treated each year at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Every step has purpose.

Katie Heck is a Miracle Maker for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the celebrated charity and presenting sponsor of Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.