Running for a Great Cause: The Wolfson Children’s Challenge
Why We Run: Turod’s Story
Turod was only four months old when he began having complications related to sickle cell anemia, a blood disorder causing misshapen red blood cells that can decrease or block blood flow to parts of the body. When Turod was three years old, he suffered a life-threatening lung-related complication of the disease called acute chest syndrome. Little Turod was rushed to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. However, because of the remarkable care he received from the physicians and team members at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Turod made it through the crisis and has gone on to lead an active life. Before, he wasn’t able to play sports because of his condition but now at 10, he has played Pop Warner football, competes on a local swim team, attends summer camp and loves to skateboard, fish and build things. Turod has been able to achieve many of his goals, and his family is grateful to Wolfson Children’s and those in the community whose donations have helped make it a nationally recognized children’s hospital.
About the Wolfson Children’s Challenge
The annual event was started in 2010 by Paul Wilson, a local marathon runner whose son Luke required life-saving spinal surgery at Wolfson Children’s Hospital shortly after birth. The family’s positive experience inspired Wilson to combine two of his favorite things – running and Wolfson Children’s. He motivated others to run to raise money for the hospital, and in its first year, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge raised $500,000. Over the last five, the number totals more than $2 million thanks to the individuals, companies and other groups who support the Challenge. Options include the 55-km Ultra Marathon good for long-distance runners; a 55-km Ultra Relay perfect for teams and corporations to sponsor a team; a 30-km Individual Run great for marathon training; and a 1-Mile Fun Run, an ideal race for kids.
How You Can Help: Participate, Organize, Fundraise
You can be part of the Wolfson Children’s Challenge on January 30, 2016, by signing up as a sponsor, organizing a relay team or participating in the other runs, or just bringing your family out for lots of fun activities and entertainment. Hundreds of people join in to run each year, coming together to raise funds to heal sick children. All proceeds from the event are used to purchase equipment and to fund a technology support endowment. A portion of all gifts to the Wolfson Children’s Challenge will be matched by Baptist Health for the Wolfson Children’s Challenge Endowment.
To register for a run or learn more, visit wolfsonchildrenschallenge.org.
