This year I will be running in the P.F. Chang’s ½ marathon in the 65-70 year old age group. This will be my third time running in the P.F. Chang’s ½ marathon and I'm really hoping to improve upon my previous times of just over 2 hours 30 minutes. This year I have decided not only to run but to help a great organization raise funds! Although we don't have any children or grandchildren being treated at PCH, I know about their wonderful work from my wife who works as a geneticist helping to diagnose PCH patients.
My honor patient is Max Marangella. Max is a vivacious seven year old who, like all little boys his age, is always on the go! Max is in the second grade now, something that his family could only have dreamt about seven years ago when Max was born with three major congenital defects: one of the heart, a connective tissue disorder, and Congenital Short Gut. Max spent the majority of his first year of life as an inpatient at PCH. In fact, Max was born on May 2, 2001, and did not go home until just before Christmas that year. Everyone in the hospital became the Marangella’s extended family: nurses, doctors, child life specialists, therapists, and pharmacists. The Marangella’s had a saying, “Either you’re part of the Max’s Team or you need to get out of our way!” Well, with the help of PCH Max’s team continues to grow and has seen him through 30+ surgeries and procedures!
Today, despite a fourth heart procedure just last year, Max is a happy, active child who entertains all with his sense of humor. He plays baseball in the backyard and loves riding his bike and driving his big sister crazy just as any little brother would. Just the fact that he can enjoy these very “typical” activities is, in and of itself, a huge miracle. To learn more about Max check out the blog his Mom keeps updated with his most recent info: http://max-marangella.blogspot.com/.
I recently met Max at the Miracles in Motion Kick-Off Party and I can tell you in all honesty that I had a hard time keeping up with him as he ran from game to game! It was a real pleasure meeting such a special little boy and to know that by doing something I love, running, I can help Max and all his other friends at PCH do the wonderful work they do for our community!
Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. 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. Many thanks for your support of Max and all his PCH friends -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!