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So All Kids Can Grow Up Happy and Healthy

This post was submitted by Michelle McAllister, a runner in the 2019 Disney Princess Half Marathon, for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/guest-post

For the past four years, I have had the honor of raising money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. I’ve raised money for the half marathon, the 10K and the challenge. Some years it seems easier than others to raise this money, but in the end it is so worth. Attending the Miracle Maker breakfast every year at Epcot, reaffirms my commitment to helping kids live happily ever after by listening to the courageous stories of Miracle kids and their families.

My connection to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals stems from two occurrences in my life. While neither were directly tied to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, these events left an indelible mark on me and my commitment to help children. The first was when my sister, who was 17 and on her way to her first year of college, was involved in a near fatal car accident. Multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy resulted, but she recovered and now participates in Princess weekend yearly with me!

The next is the death of one of my best friend’s twins. Born very early and both under 2 pounds, I watched as she dealt with the loss of one of her babies and the long and arduous road to health of her second little boy. I felt helpless to support her and it made me want to help others not have to go through this.

So, when people ask me why I put myself through this yearly, trying to train in the winter in Michigan for this February race, I think about the little heroes that fight so much harder to survive and I know I can do it. Thanks Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for doing what you do!

Michelle McAllister is an avid traveler, on the go Mom, who loves to give back to her community. She’s involved with the following charitable organizations, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor, the Junior League of Ann Arbor, Event on Main, Ele’s Place Junior Chamber International, and Girls on the Run, to name a few. She believes in the limitless potential of children and the ability to make a difference.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® is the presenting sponsor and celebratory charity of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Funds raised for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in conjunction with this magical event will help kids grow up happily ever after. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds and awareness for 170 children’s hospitals in the U.S. and Canada, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most.