Londyn's Story
Londyn's Story
Briggs and Al's Run & Walk
We had the privilege of walking in the 39th annual Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk to benefit Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin this past weekend. Londyn has received such expert care at this hospital, we were happy to be able to have a small part in giving back to them. According to the Brigg’s & Al’s Run & Walk Facebook page, over one million dollars was raised as a result of this event! Also stated, “Over 15,000 people turned out today to run, walk and fundraise, including 800 Children’s Champions and 550 volunteers. Over the past 39 years, Briggs & Al's Run & Walk has raised more than $18 million to support the kids we serve.”
It was my first time participating in any kind of walk or run like this, and I can’t believe what a blast we had, and how good the kids were the whole time. Londyn was honored as a “Children’s Champion”, since she has received care at the hospital. The Children’s Champions were all given special blue t-shirts to wear to identify them. The back of the t-shirt read, “We are the ones you stride for.” In the weeks prior, the race website was encouraging parents of these champions to bring them along for the walk/run to be special guests of honor. They had a free breakfast for the champions and their families, and everyone had tons of smiles for Londyn! Grayson got to have his face painted and meet Rapunzel, Merida, Cinderella, Ariel, and Disney’s newest Princess Elena. Of course when we later asked Grayson what his favorite part of the day was, he said riding the yellow school bus, which was a shuttle from the parking lot to the start line.
As we were walking the three miles pushing our double stroller, we were reading everyone’s shirts which had their team names and often a photo or graphic. There was everything from tiny baby feet and an “In memory of…” statement, to “celebrating X amount of years cancer free”. All these thousands of people, each walking or running for a child they love, a child who has fought and overcome, a child who is still fighting, and a child who is a champion. My eyes filled with tears more than once reading these t-shirts. Even though hip dysplasia can be something to reoccur throughout Londyn’s life, I felt so lucky to have my sweet girl just right in front of me napping in the stroller, wearing her “Too Hip for Dysplasia” onesie we made. Kyle, Grayson, and I had a chance to represent spicalife.com, with t-shirts that had the DDH motto on the front, “Together We Can, Together We Will”, and our website on the back.
Overall a great time was had by all, and I’m thankful from the bottom of my heart for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and the wonderful, professional healthcare providers who care for my daughter.
