Why I Run

On Saturday our family, friends, and neighbors will participate in the Race for Every Child in downtown DC. One of the Race's initiatives is to share a story about why we are running this race, using the hashtag #whyirun.

We are running to celebrate Finn's recovery. We are running to realize the "anchor" I set many months ago while Finn fought hard against RSV and pneumonia in the PICU. We are running for the other children and families who have experienced illness or injury, and may not have been as fortunate as our family.

You see, when Finn was really, really sick, I would walk the halls of the PICU and one corridor was filled with pictures, medals, and memorabilia from the Race for Every Child. And, during one of those walks, I imagined the beautiful fall day that our family would enjoy the race. I thought about our baby boy as a healthy 10 month old boy. I imagined Everett running in the kid's dash and enjoying the obstacle course with his friends. When my mind was overwhelmed with medical jargon and scared for my babies, I imagine what a "normal" Saturday would look like. The Race for Every Child became one of my anchors. I planned the post-race pancake breakfast and ordered the team shirts.

And we have almost arrived at that "normal" Saturday. As I type this the tears start to well up. Our boy was really, really sick. But he is healthy now. And, he has been healthy ever since. We've survived a few post-RSV sniffles and coughs, and even a few fevers (mostly low grade)! Our extended family has dealt with illness and loss over the last few months. But, my boys are healthy. And we are enjoying lots and lots of "normal" days.

The money our team contributes to the Race for Every Child will be used to support the Family Services division of Children's National Medical Center. I assume these funds will support brothers and sisters who have an ill or injured sibling.

At just past 10 months old, here are some of the exciting things going on in Finn's healthy and "normal" life:

• Finn's standing and cruising around furniture and playground equipment
• He's eating tons of food at the table with his family; he loves to eat!
• He has six teeth, with two more imminent
• Finn loves being outside
• He signs "drink" and "all done" and is starting to sign "more"
• He's a really vocal guy -- he babbles and screeches with his friends and his brother all the time
• Finn and Everett are the best of pals

Watch for pictures from the race on Saturday!

#LoveWins
#FinnStrong