It's official: I'm running the 2010 Chicago Marathon to raise money for the Children's Memorial Hospital Foundation. Go to my fundraising page here.
Each year more than 140,000 young patients are treated at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. These sick children come from every part of Illinois, each of the 50 states and 36 countries, all seeking the expert care that has been the Children's Memorial hallmark for more than 125 years.
- Wait, Neal Boyle no longer needs pediatric care. So what is Neal Boyle doing?
On October 10, 2010, I will be running 26.2 miles in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as a member of Children's Memorial Marathon Team. We're a group of people dedicated to raising funds to help the kids treated at Children's Memorial. I invite you to support our team by joining in my personal belief that access to the best possible healthcare is a necessity for all children?regardless of their means or ability to pay for that care. The Children's Memorial Marathon Team is trying to raise $600,000. I am personally trying to raise $1,500 (but hopefully will raise more). With your support, I know that we can surpass these fundraising goals on behalf of Chicagoland's sickest children.
Please support my efforts and donate today by clicking on the link next to the Fundraising Thermometer on the upper left-hand side of my fundraising page. After you donate, spread the word to your friends!
- Why Healthcare? Why Children's Memorial Hospital?
I am grateful for the world-class pediatric care that I've had access to back home in Boston. The pediatricians and other health professionals and staff at Massachusetts General Hospital's Bunker Hill Community Health Center in Charlestown have shown me first hand that meaningful access to quality pediatric healthcare can change our lifelong outlook on health and the outcome of our lives. I consider myself an advocate for equal access to children's healthcare even though I'm not a pediatrician or public health professional. I live in Chicago now, and I have seen first-hand how Children's Memorial's commitment to community has impacted young people's lives, particularly up here on the North Side in Uptown. Please find it in your heart to advocate for this cause with me by supporting me through your donation!
- Why is Neal Boyle crazy enough to even run a marathon? Why not just host a party?
After racing in the Men's Health Urbanathlon last fall, I found myself chasing an adrenaline rush. The Men's Health race covered 13 miles plus five urban obstacles, including the stadium stairs at Soldiers Field (Contrary to my friends Jim Bartling and Mark Waterbury have told you, none of the obstacles included a shopping cart!). I wanted to switch gears this year and run my first marathon. I'm excited for all the training and focusing on getting my body to the healthiest place I've ever been. Running for kids seemed like the logical thing for me do.
- I'm not from Chicago. What is Children's Memorial Hospital?
Children's Memorial is the place where kids come first, and is the Chicago region's leader in 20 pediatric specialties. They receive the benefits of family-centered care at a facility that is nationally recognized for caring for children with even the most complex and difficult to treat conditions. The hospital offers children and their families the expertise of more than 1,100 top pediatric specialists in 70 specialty areas, as well as access to cutting-edge clinical trials and the most advanced technology. Children's Memorial also believes strongly in caring for the entire child by addressing his or her social and emotional needs and providing a child-friendly environment that promotes and speeds healing. Learn more about Children's Memorial.
- What can I do next? How do I donate?
Please support my efforts and donate today by clicking on the link next to the Fundraising Thermometer on the upper left-hand side of my fundraising page. After you donate, spread the word to your friends!
Printable donation forms are also available on the website. All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged by Children's Memorial Foundation with a receipt for tax purposes. You can also follow my marathon training and musings on my blog: Nealmeister (http://nealmeister.typepad.com).
Thank you for your consideration. Each of you who contribute will help carry me through that finish line on race day!
Keep the faith,
Neal Boyle
Congratulations Neal! You are doing a great thing! Mike and me can't wait to see how much personal growth you experience from this.
Posted by: Steph | 31 March 2010 at 10:36