Thank you for taking the time to visit my Personal Fundraising Page! I'm only a few days away from the marathon; I'm scared, excited, but I'm ready to do this! Any donation will help!
I am new volunteer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and that is how I was informed about “Miracles in Motion.” I’ve always had the goal of running a half marathon, but never had the motivation. When I was told about “Miracles in Motion” there was no way I could turn down this opportunity! I joined the team to help raise money and run a marathon in honor of child at the hospital…please read about my honor patient who I would like to call my LITTLE SUPERMAN and you’ll understand why after reading his story below.
Luke’s Story (Written by Luke’s Mom): I don’t know where we would be without PCH (Phoenix Children's Hospital). We have been here for months on end and it feels like a home away from home. The staff and other patients are great. I wouldn’t take my son anywhere else. Luke came to PCH when he was two weeks old. A day later he was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease, due to a post-terrior urethral valve in his penis that caused urine to back up into his kidneys causing major damage. He has now had sixteen surgeries. Four of them where before he was six weeks old. Luke started peritoneal dialysis when he was about six weeks old and was on it until he got a kidney transplant in April of 2008. He has had several hospital admits and has been developmentally delayed. But that has not stopped him. Luke is very laid back, loving and happy. He is primarily fed by a g-tube and is has a cathiterized s/p to remove his urine from a stoma that was placed in his abdomen. Other than that, he is a pretty normal toddler. He loves cars and playing with his big sister. He is also very determined when it comes to something he wants. Luke is a great little boy and I wouldn’t trade him for anything.
I've been training since August and I am running 4-6 miles about four times a week. I've really come to enjoy running, but at times I just want to walk, stop, and then give up...but then I think about Luke, and how much he’s endured and it motivates me to keep going. This year at the P.F. Chang Rock & Roll Marathon I will run in honor of Luke and his family, because they don’t have a choice to give up!
Thank you in advance for your generous contributions!
Vanessa M Cardenas
"Virtue means doing the right thing, in relation to the right person, at the right time, to the right extent, in the right manner, and for the right purpose. Thus, to give money away is quite a simple task, but for the act to be virtuous, the donor must give to the right PERSON, for the right PURPOSE, in the right amount, in the right manner, and at the right time." - Aristotle
Little more about Luke:
Age: Will be 2 years in September!
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Animal: Dog
Favorite Movie: Cars
When I grow up I want to be a: Doctor
If I could go on a vacation anywhere in the world I would go to: California/Beach
My Hero is: Superman