Greetings all,

I would assume that most of you think I am running for Reese (my speical needs son and patient of PCH).  This is only part of the equation though.  Every time Matt and I take Reese to PCH we are forced to see how "lucky" we are.  My heart breaks watching some of these kids endure their fate.  Although not one day goes by that I don't wonder 'why' I still have to be grateful for what we have...

For those of you that don't know Reese's story allow me to explain... I had a completely uneventful pregnancy complete with no morning sickness!  Reese was born at 33 weeks after it appeared as though my amniotic fluid was low.  My doctor took Reese via C-section on January 5, 2005.  

Although he was early Matt and I could tell something was not right.  Reese was transfered to Desert Samaritan NICU.  After many days of him not able to hold food down Reese endured surgery to fix his twisted bowel.  He remained in the NICU until Feb 18th. 

Reese's development was and is painfully slow.  Most doctors attribute this to the fact he was a preemie. However we were assured he would 'catch up' by the time he was 2.  We finally contacted PCH when Reese was 18 months old.  

After a lot of neurological testing it was discovered Reese has a brain disorder called Pachygyria.  A portion of Reese's brain (the portion that controls his ability to walk and talk) is smooth where it should not be.  Addtionally a portion of his brain has herniated into his spinal column.  These have in turn caused his cerebral palsy.  It would be so easy to be angry; trust me I've been there.  But Reese needs us and so do these other patients.  All of the money raised by “Miracles in Motion” will go directly towards patient care. Each participant is required to raise $1,500. However, I want to do much more.  My personal goal is $3,000.00. 

I do not want this to be just about Reese but more importanly about the patients whose families do not have the resources with which we've been so blessed.  We can NEVER repay the debt that our families and friends have so freely given.

Reese is 4 1/2 now and is growing up so fast!  Just think he will turn 5 just before I run.  Although no one knows just how functional he will be he will always be perfect in my eyes!  :)

Your tax deductible donation allows PCH to provide specialized care to Arizona’s most ill and injured children. Every dollar counts, so please give as little or as much as you can. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts.

If you would rather send a check directly to the hospital, please make all checks payable to Phoenix Children’s Hospital and write "Miracles in Motion" and my name in the memo section. Please mail the check to the following address: Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation Attn: Christine Appleton 1920 E. Cambridge, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85006. 

If you would like more information on PCH, please visit their website, www.phoenixchildrens.com.  On behalf of all of the kids at Phoenix Children's Hospital, thank you for your support and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Love,

Caroline

P.S - The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more signifcant and the higher in inspiration his life will be....Horace Bushnell