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Marathon Miracle Mile Patients
We will be sharing a new Miracle Mile Patient Champion story week by week. See how your children's hospital has had an impact on their lives. Meet them here.
Eleven years ago, Maggie was born and developed normally until she hit nine months and her parents began to notice a change. Her growth rate was slowing, and she would often seem detached from her surroundings. At 14 months, Maggie slipped into her first Grand Mal seizure, which later led to her diagnosis of epilepsy. On top of that, Maggie received a diagnosis of PDD-NOS, a form of autism, at age three.
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As time passed, Maggie started receiving services through the Help Me Grow program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She began having more severe epileptic attacks and was diagnosed with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, which includes developmental disabilities. This final diagnosis helped explain a lot of the symptoms that Maggie had experienced throughout her life.
While Maggie has a list of diagnoses, they barely slow her down. She is involved in Special Olympics where she runs track and is on the bowling team. Her family runs a few times a week and Maggie comes along in her wheelchair.
Look for Maggie’s Monkeys at Mile 1 on your run, where friends, family, and supporters of Maggie will bring stuffed monkeys to show their spirit. After the race, Maggie will donate the stuffed monkeys to the kids at Nationwide Children’s. Join Maggie’s mile, and don’t forget your monkey!
Little Ellie was born in July of 2002, and four months later she had heart surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Ellie has Down syndrome, and this marked the first of many surgeries she would endure. After countless doctors, operations, extended hospital stays, and unexpected complications, Ellie became stronger and her personality began to shine.
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This year, Ellie is 10 years old. She plays baseball, does gymnastics, dances ballet, and loves Justin Bieber – not unlike most 10-year-old girls. Ellie is the child she was meant to be.
Cheer your way through Ellie’s mile at Mile 2 of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon! Ellie is a wonderful cheerleader with prior experience, and is thrilled to route for runners with the help of her mom, teachers, friends, and hopefully you! Join Ellie’s team.
Billie Jo Schumm has plenty of experience with sick babies – she is a neonatology nurse at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. When her daughter was born a month early with five little holes in her heart, Billie Jo knew that baby Sophia was in good hands at Nationwide Children’s. Sophia’s journey makes her a perfect fit to represent a Miracle Mile during the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Marathon & ½ Marathon this October.
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The Marathon on October 21st will mark exactly one year from Sophia’s open heart surgery performed at Nationwide Children’s, when doctors told Billie Jo that Sophia’s heart was “running a marathon” to keep her body going. At almost one year old, baby Sophia is a happy baby with an infectious smile and an affinity for Tinker Bell. Join Team Tinker Bell at Mile 3 and dedicate your race to brave little Sophia!
[hide]Micah was diagnosed prenatally with Spina Bifida. The Ross' relationship with Nationwide Children’s Hospital began before he was born, meeting with neurosurgeons, touring the NICU, and preparing to give Micah the best future possible with his diagnosis. Micah was transferred to Nationwide Children's NICU less than 2 hours after birth.
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He's a tough little guy, set on defying the odds. And he does it with a mischievous little smile that lights up his whole face. He has been going to therapy weekly at Nationwide Children’s Hospital since he was just a couple of months old, and despite having 15 surgeries before age 3, he is still excited to get to the hospital to go play in the gym and see his friends there. While Micah is hard at work in the rehab gym, his 5 year old sister Jennifer loves to play in the Sibling Clubhouse. Look for Micah on his special mile, Mile 4 – and watch out, he might try to race you in his wheelchair! Join Team Super Micah
[hide]Josh Riederer’s battle with cancer began in 2008, when he was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms Tumor. Josh was just under two years old. After having his left kidney and the massive tumor removed, Josh remained the tough, sweet little boy that his family fell in love with. After surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and a cancer relapse, Josh is now cancer-free. May 12th, 2010 marks that special day when Josh received his last chemo treatment, and he has remained NED (No Evidence of Disease) ever since.
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Josh became well known to the Nationwide Children’s staff throughout the duration of his treatment, making friends with just about everyone who crossed his path, from Karen at the info desk to the security guards to the physicians. His smiling face is infectious.
On Josh’s special mile of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon, runners can expect a number theme, with lots of music and his two favorite colors – red and blue! Josh might even let runners know how many feet they have to run before they reach the finish line. Join Josh's Team
After a long battle with infertility, the Kile’s became pregnant with their son Logan. At 34 weeks pregnant, they discovered that little Logan had an esophageal malformation, and would require immediate surgery after birth. After Logan came into the world, he was rushed to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for what turned into months of surgery, tests, and fears. After only months of life, Logan was diagnosed with Charge Syndrome. Charge Syndrome often leads to deafness, blindness, and a multitude of other diagnoses.
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Logan Kile defied expectations and broke boundaries that surrounded him. While he still has a few “special needs,” Logan is a healthy and happy three year old boy who loves music and learning. Look for Logan at Mile 6! Join Logan's Chargers now
[hide]Toby has Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus. He also has a tracheostomy, ventilator for Central Sleep Apnea, and a g-tube. Toby sees nine different doctors at Nationwide Children's and receives speech, physical, and occupational therapy. An exciting triumph for Toby and his family was at the age of 2 1/2, when he progressed from needing a ventilator around the clock, to only needing it when he sleeps.
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He has also learned to speak with his passy-muir valve. Toby's mom remembers crying buckets of tears the first time she heard him say, "Mama" around 18 months of age. He has two older brothers that he enjoys watching football with, and a younger sister he just adores. For fun, Toby plays Miracle League Baseball during the summer and loves to play MarioKart on the Wii. Watch for Toby and his supporters at Mile 7! Join Toby's Warriors
[hide]Taylor Rockwell was brought to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in 2008, when she was less than three months old, because of severe jaundice. Doctors soon discovered that little Taylor was suffering from liver failure. After the diagnosis of Biliary Atresia, doctors sprang into action and performed a live-saving surgery called the Kasai Procedure on Taylor. Without this surgery, Taylor would not have lived past two years.
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While the Rockwell family has made many trips back to Nationwide Children’s Hospital due to Taylor’s chronic liver disease, she is thriving. She makes time for doctor appointments between swim lessons, playing with her siblings, and attending school. Taylor is living proof that faith, hope, and love can turn a scary diagnosis into a wonderful life.
Yellow t-shirts and balloons will shine on Taylor’s mile, Mile 8, representing children’s liver disease awareness. The motto “Team Taylor NEVER gives up!” will help runners keep their motivation to the very last step. Join Team Taylor here, and help make memories that Taylor and her family will never forget!
When Matthew Griffin was only 9 months old, his pediatrician discovered that he had a heart murmur. Matthew was referred to The Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s, where he endured extensive testing. His parents were terrified. The smile on their doctor’s face calmed their fears, as they learned that although Matthew had a potentially serious malformation known as a bicuspid aortic valve, he was in the very small but fortunate percentage of people who have no life threatening effects. Matthew’s heart functions properly.
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Matthew’s heart remains stable at every yearly exam. However, the experience of walking into Nationwide Children’s and seeing the kids who aren’t as lucky as Matthew struck a nerve with the Griffin family. Matthew, now 15, dedicates himself to research studies at Nationwide Children’s. Despite having to be poked, prodded and stuck with needles - Matthew was eager to help because he knew he was "one of the lucky ones" and he wanted to do his part to assist researchers in understanding and treating the condition - maybe helping other children sometime in the future. Look for Matthew at Mile 9! Join Team Greif in support of Matthew
[hide]Grayson Willson knew that something wasn’t right when she began to lose weight without explanation, was constantly thirsty, and experienced other symptoms that were out of the ordinary. She went to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. While at Nationwide Children’s, Grayson learned about her new diagnosis from her nursing staff – many of the nurses on her floor also have type 1 diabetes.
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Grayson is proud to be a Miracle Mile for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Marathon & ½ Marathon. She is excited to help others feel the support and love that she felt at Nationwide Children’s. Her positive attitude and passion for others will be a true inspiration along the course. Look for Grayson at Mile 10. Join Grayson's Team
[hide]Cayden Beau is a little boy with a big name and a serious disease. Beau (as everyone calls him) is 5 years old and has Leukemia. Having already been in treatment for a year and a half, he has an additional two years remaining on the treatment plan. Immediately following his cancer diagnosis in 2011, Beau left school and his daily life to begin treatment. Early on in the diagnosis, Beau’s parents sought a positive way to help him understand the long battle ahead.
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Their strategy was a great one: Beau is now the figurehead and star player of a very special Team, TCB (Team Cayden Beau) and this vast Team is working together to beat his “‘Cancer Bullies’.” The doctors and staff on the cancer floor and clinic immediately became Beau’s teammates and together they put the “playbook” (Beau’s treatment plan) in action.
Team Cayden Beau is excited for his journey as a Miracle Mile with the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Marathon & ½ Marathon, and looking forward to building new Teammates in the fight against the “Cancer Bullies.” You will feel the bravery throughout Beau’s mile, Mile 11,, as Team Cayden Beau cheers you to the finish line! Join Beau's team.
*Photo courtesy of Todd Yarrington
[hide]Meet the Angels of the Angel Mile - Mile 12
At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, true miracles happen every day. Lives are saved, families are comforted, diseases are beat. But sometimes, a child’s journey ends earlier than others.
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The children who have lost their battles at Nationwide Children’s hospital are never forgotten. These children live in the memories of parents, nurses, staff, and support. Their stories are carried throughout the hospital, and they are honored by those whose lives they touched.
One special mile on the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon, Mile 12, is dedicated to these Angels who have already finished their race. Families coming together to support one another, listen to memories, and celebrate the days they shared with their children will make this mile more than impactful. When you run through the Angel Mile, run for those kids who have passed, and be inspired to live every day to the fullest in honor of those who no longer have that opportunity. Join the Angel Mile here.
[hide]Our very first Patient Champion who will represent the sponsored “Nationwide Insurance Miracle Mile” . Alison, 11, is the daughter of Doug and Jill Hile (Hilliard, OH) who are both associates at Nationwide Insurance. Alison has been a patient of Nationwide Children’s since she was just days old when she was first diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
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The Hile family leads an active lifestyle and loves to run which is actually very healthy for Alison’s lungs and is an important part of her continued treatment as a patient living with cystic fibrosis.
Look for Alison at Mile 13 of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. Join Team Alison now.
*Photo courtesy of Melissa Jones Photography
[hide]The first year of college comes with many things, some expected and some not. Between never missing a class, balancing new-found freedom, and missing home that was 13 hours away, Tiera Decker received something she could have never planned: a call that said she might be HIV positive.
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After confirming that Tiera did in fact have HIV, she chose to move home and continue her education with the support of her family. Today, after being HIV positive for four years, she manages her health with daily medications and feels that she was “dealt these cards” so she could educate others about her disease. She is a role model to those who think something like this could never happen to them.
Teara is a counselor at the Family AIDS Clinic and Education Services (FACES) program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and loves her job. She is passionate about helping others that are diagnosed with HIV, and she refuses to be defined by her disease. Tiera is still in college, working on completing her double major, and plans to continue to have a great attitude and be there for others.
Look for Teira at Mile 14 along the Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. Join Tiera's Team
[hide]In late January 2009, 9-year-old Cassie became very ill. Her family thought she had the flu but could not get her to the doctor due to a severe snow storm. She lost 11 pounds in 7 days and she was little to begin with. She became lethargic, could not walk without help, and was very thirsty. This "flu” was not going away, so they braved the storm and took her to their local emergency department. There, Cassie was misdiagnosed and sent home. Shortly after returning home, her skin turned a funny grayish color and she stopped responding. Her mom rushed Cassie to Nationwide Children's Hospital.
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As soon as the nurses at Nationwide Children’s saw Cassie’s mother carrying her in, they knew what was happening- Cassie was dangerously nearing a diabetic coma. Doctors soon discovered that Cassie had Type 1 Diabetes and needed insulin. “The doctors and nurses at Nationwide Children's took really great care of Cassie and made my husband and I feel comfortable, too,” says Cassie’s mother Lynnda.
Three years later, Cassie is a healthy and happy 12-year-old with a bright future ahead. The nurses and doctors at Nationwide Children’s educated the Davis family on how to manage Cassie’s illness. Cassie stays busy with volleyball and dance. She is thrilled to represent a mile on the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon. Look out for her “Dance to Stay Healthy” theme along your race at Mile 15! Join Team Cassie now.
Patrick was a twin born at 23 weeks (17 weeks early) and weighed just 1 lb 7 oz and was 11 3/4 inches long. Because of his premature birth, he suffered pretty much every complication a baby born that early can suffer (Grade 1 brain bleed, sepsis, open PDA, BPD, kidney reflux, numerous blood transfusions, etc) . At six days of age, he was found to have necrotizing
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enterocolitis (NEC) and was transferred to Nationwide Children's for emergency surgery.
He went on to have seven more surgeries, most notably for ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) in both eyes, a detached retina, an open PDA and additional intestinal procedures. During all of this, Patrick's father, a Captain in the Army Reserves, was deployed to Iraq. Patrick eventually came home after 6 months in the NICU and today is a joyful, ornery and healthy 17-month-old.
No matter what obstacle was presented, Patrick's doctors never gave up. During their six month stay, Nationwide Children’s hospital became a second home to the Bibbee family, and the doctors and nurses became their second family. Let Patrick’s motivation inspire you to achieve your marathon goals! Look for Patrick at Mile 16! You can give now and help kids like Patrick.
When Parker MacDonald was just five years old, he was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Nationwide Children’s Hospital became a second home for the MacDonald family, where Parker endured many rounds of chemotherapy treatment. Throughout his battle, Parker kept a remarkably positive attitude, even when he was losing his hair.
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Now, seven years later, Parker is 12 years old and cancer-free. Because of the harsh chemotherapy and radiation that saved Parker, he is now 50% more likely to be afflicted with cancer in the future. Raising money for cancer research has become a passion for the MacDonald family.
Parker plans to motivate runners during the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon at Mile 17 with the same attitude that got him through his life-threatening battle with cancer. You’ll recognize his mile by the Lego theme. Join Parker's TEAM LEGO now.
Just last fall, Nicholas Sawchuk – 10 years old at the time and entering the fourth grade – began having unexplainable seizures. A few months after the seizures started, Nicholas took what could be considered a miraculous tumble down his basement stairs and ended up at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which led to a CT scan and the eventual diagnosis of a large malignant tumor in Nicholas’ temporal lobe. Shortly after the discovery of Nicholas’ tumor, a surgery was scheduled and the mass was removed from his brain by the skilled surgeons at Nationwide Children’s.
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Since his surgery, pathology results indicated that Nicholas’ tumor was infiltrative and malignant cells were found in his normal brain tissue, so the Brain Tumor Program Team at Nationwide Children’s will follow Nicholas with regular MRIs to watch for the inevitable return of the tumor. But his mother Jennifer is hopeful, passionate, and confident in their path ahead. She plans to run her first full marathon, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon this fall in support of her son’s battle. Jennifer says that “Nationwide Children's Hospital a place where miracles can and do happen.” Until the marathon in October, Nicholas, his twin brother Benjamin and their brothers Alexander and Matthew are keeping mom busy with lots of bike rides, taking care of their pets, swimming and fishing.
Beautiful strings of origami butterflies will mark Nicholas’ mile along the marathon course. Each butterfly will be created with love and support by someone different, making each one as unique and special as the person who made it. Nicholas loves butterflies; to him they are beautiful symbol of freedom, transformation and hope. For us, they represent the transformation to healing and the hope for freedom from illness.
Come fly with us at Mile 18 and support Nicholas by joining his team here!
Cal became a part if the Nationwide Childrens family on the day he was born. He was born with a serious congenital heart defect (AVSD) in addition to having Down syndrome. The first few months of his life were filled with many, many trips to Nationwide Children’s for X-rays, appointments, and more. Just shy of turning four months old, Cal had surgery to repair his heart. Since then, the Ramirez family has relied on the follow-up care of the cardiology team.
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Cal receives speech, occupational, and physical therapies, and is thriving more and more each day.
Today, Cal is 5years old, and loves to play with his brother and sister, dance and watch Sesame Street and Yo Gabba Gabba. He has been staying busy this summer, going to camp, swimming, and prepping for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon. Cal’s Mile, Mile 19, will have a playful Sesame Street theme and will motivate runners and walkers to push through to their very last mile, just like Cal pushes his limits every day. Go Cal! You can give now and help kids like Cal.
[hide]Natalie Hendershot ran her first marathon before she was even born. Abby, her mother, ran a marathon the day she discovered she was pregnant. The Hendershot family is passionate about running, and couldn’t wait until little Natalie was born so she could share their tradition. Four months after she was born, however, the doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital diagnosed Natalie with an extremely rare chromosomal disorder called Partial Trisomy 5P that changed her path. At the time of her diagnosis, doctors doubted that Natalie would ever walk. But Natalie had other plans.
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On Thanksgiving of 2011, Natalie walked her first race. Although she can’t run yet, Natalie has already beaten the odds against her. While Natalie still battles generalized global developmental disabilities, feeding & swallowing disorder & seizures, she grows stronger every day. The Hendershot family expects Natalie’s life to be a marathon, but the first few “miles” have already brought a few miracles with them.
Hawaiian shirts, leis, hula skirts and other tiki-themed flare will mark Natalie’s mile, Mile 20, along the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon. Join Natalie’s team.
Zion’s first encounter with Nationwide Children’s was on her 3-month birthday, when she underwent surgery for a cleft lip repair. Zion, a true champion, was back to her usual self within days – smiling, laughing, and enjoying life. Several days before her first birthday, Zion encountered Nationwide Childrens hospital again this time she would stay a little longer than the last. She was diagnosed with leukemia.
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Throughout the struggles that come along with leukemia, the Polk family had their faith to get them through, along with lots of visitors and the support of Nationwide Children’s. While Zion is now disease free, she still undergoes routine chemotherapy treatments and her doctor says she “laughs in the face of chemo."
Listen for Zion on the 21st mile, the “Music Mile” where friends, family, and community supporters will gather to sing, dance, and celebrate runners and walkers to the finish line. You can give now and help kids like Zion.
Isaiah Burns, 10 years old, describes Nationwide Children’s Hospital as a place where doctors and nurses help him breathe. Isaiah has been severely asthmatic since he was very little. He has to take lots of medicines to help open his airways, and has been spent several nights in the Intensive Care Unit because of his asthma.
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Despite Isaiah’s asthma, a disease that makes exercising especially challenging, he loves to play basketball and football. His experience with Nationwide Children’s has given him a true appreciation for doctors and nurses, and he hopes to become a Pulmonologist when he grows up. Isaiah says it best; “I want to keep kids out of the hospital because of Asthma, so they can ride their bikes.” Look for Isiah at Mile 22 along the Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. You can give now and help kids like Isaiah.
[hide]Last July, Warren “Tug” Robinson was in a severe car accident, resulting in a Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI. Tug was trapped in a car for over an hour, then lifelfighted to a local trauma hospital, where his family was prepared for the worst. Tug was in a coma and if he ever woke up, there was a chance that he would not walk, talk, eat, or even have the same personality.
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When Tug pulled through and was able to breathe without a machine, he was transferred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where he did indeed learn to walk, talk, eat, and interact just as he did before his accident. Tug and the staff at Nationwide Children’s pushed boundaries everyday, and their hard work paid off. Today, Tug is a normal kid. People would never guess that he ever had a TBI. At Nationwide Children’s, Tug learned the value of hard work and a strong heart.
Look for Tug at Mile 23 of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. Join Team Tug now.
[hide]Since the day Hunter was born 12 weeks early, he’s been fighting. Fighting to grow, fighting for health, and fighting for a chance to go home. Every day in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Hunter’s mother Cassidy stands by while determined physicians and staff keep baby Hunter a step ahead of his battle.
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At ten days old, Hunter had heart surgery. Soon after, he was diagnosed with a severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), asthma, and a brain bleed that will stunt his motor skill development. While Hunter and Cassidy are in the NICU, Hunter’s father Dewey is deployed for the military, fighting another battle.
Through good days and bad, Hunter continues to inspire those around him with his resilient spirit. The Miller family can’t wait to support the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon runners along their path. Look for “Hunter’s Hereos” cheering in their camouflage gear on race day at Mile 24! Join Hunter's Hereos now.
Somehow the word “Miracle” doesn’t do enough to describe 6 year-old Brett Kingsley. He has defied every statistic and redefined what is possible for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1, an incurable genetic disease that affects the voluntary muscles of the body. Most children with SMA pass away before their third birthdays. Now at age six, Brett has beaten the odds and continues to do so. Although his muscles are affected and he relies on a ventilator to breath, Brett’s mind is unaffected by his disease. He is a bright, funny, social little boy with so much to give.
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Brett is in the hospital every week for speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. He had back surgery in the fall 2010 to correct his 80 degree scoliosis and 70 degree kyphosis. His condition is intensively monitored by a dedicated multi-disciplinary medical team that includes pulmonary, orthopedics, physical medicine, ophthalmology, clincial nutrition, otolaryngology and the SMA clinics which includes neuromuscular services.
Brett never says no to a new adventure or challenge and has a wonderful sense of humor. I can think of no better voice for Nationwide Children’s Hospital than Brett Kingsley. He is our Champion, and I bet now he’s yours too! Look for Brett at Mile 25 along the Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. Join Brett's Brigade now.
Kole was born in Virginia to parents that were in the USA illegally. At 24 hours he developed complications and was taken to the operating room. Over the course of several weeks, he had all but 10 cm of his small bowel removed leaving him with short bowel syndrome and dependent on IV nutrition (TPN). His parents knew he would not survive in Mexico so they placed him for adoption with the goal of placing him with a family with access to the best GI care available. Kole was adopted by a wonderful family here in Columbus and is now 3.
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While Kole is still IV-dependent and receiving tube feeds, he is a typical active 3 year old that loves playing with cars, swinging and visiting his favorite doctors and nurses at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Kole is doing so well due to the incredible care he receives. He is an inspiration to everyone he meets with his great smile and outgoing personality. His motto is “Have backpack, will travel” - being hooked up to TPN 17 hours a day does not keep him from living his life to the fullest and making the best of every situation. Kole and his family are proud to give back to their community and represent all patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital!
Don't miss Kole at the end of the race as he cheers you on at Mile 26 of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon & 1/2 Marathon! Join Kole's Kontenders now.
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Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive Columbus, Ohio 43205 614.722.2000
700 Children's Drive Columbus, Ohio 43205 614.722.2000