Most of you know that I ran the half marathon two years ago and it was not easy.  However, this time I am more excited to begin training because I will be running to raise money for a nonprofit charity, Phoenix Children's Hospital and in honor of Drew Purtiman (my nephew).   Drew Purtiman was born on June 24, 2007 and suffered hypoxic injuries at birth.  He deals with seizures, severe reflux, neurological issues, spasticity, and several other life altering conditions.  Phoenix Children's is where Drew has had 2 fundoplication surgeries and is seen by a variety of specialists. 

It is my personal long term goal to raise awareness about hypoxic injuries, seizures, severe reflux, and neurological issues that my nephew faces.  This is just a small step into achieving my long term goal and I hope that there will be more to come. 

When speaking to Drew's parents, Michelle (my sister) and Andy (my brother in law) they wanted to share this, "It is difficult to put into words what PHC has meant to our family.  The best that I can describe it is that the doctors and staff of PCH have shown enormous amounts of caring, concern, empathy and attention to detail during our son's many visits there.  Our son Drew had a hypoxic brain injury at birth and, as a result, he suffers from a multitude of physical and developmental problems.  Our first experience at PCH was an appointment with Dr. Moss, a neurosurgeon who had to give us some very bad news regarding Drew's condition and long term prognosis.  While the news was heartbreaking to us, the compassion and consideration shown to us by Dr. Moss and his nurse that day was touching.  Drew has been to PCH for two surgeries on his stomach with Dr. Graziano.  Her skill extends far beyond the operating table.  She cares enough to call into the hospital very late at night following his surgeries to ensure that he is OK and that all of her instructions are being precisely followed.  She has also showed great concern on follow up appointments not only for Drew's wellbeing but for ours as well.  Drew also comes to PCH on an ongoing basis to see his neurologist, Dr. Williams.  Dr. Williams has made several phone calls to us just to see how Drew is responding to new therapies and to answer all of the questions that we have about his care.  All of these experiences at PCH have made a very difficult situation a little bit easier for us.  That has meant the world to our family.  We are eternally grateful for everything that PCH has done for us."