Race for the Kids

What do you do when your child is born with a health problem?
You research doctors, hospitals, treatments, and hopefully some day find a cure.

Bryan and Mary did just that when Luke was born. They found a Doctor who not only has Luke headed in the right direction to a (fingers crossed) healthy life, but genuinely cares about his little patients.

Luke and his Doctor

Mike and I joining the Flory family on Sunday to "Race for the Kids" at the University of Chicago, was a no brainer. We both would walk a hundred miles for Luke, if it meant he could get off all his medicines and Bryan and Mary could spend just one day without looking at the clock checking if it's time for his next dosage.

It' was 5k run/walk around the University campus.

We joined Luke's doctors Team "Robo Kids"  - so named because he does a good amount of surgery with a robot.

We started out strong, but just pass the 2 mile marker there was a short cut to the finish line. We were steadily falling into the back of the pack. The boys would want to walk a ways and Luke had to stop to pet every dog he saw, so we took the path,  just in time to witness the Kids Dash. Ok, I admit I was ready to cut it short too.

Roger saw all the kids running and insisted on running the rest of the way pushing the stroller. Papa, of course, helped him.

Mike and Roger running it out

Luke had no choice but to walk the rest of the way too (no stroller). He sprinted to the Finish Line with his Mommy and Daddy with the crowd cheering.

Bryan, Luke and Mary crossing the Finish Line

I was tailing behind to capture a picture and got a lump in my throat watching Luke waving at the people cheering for him.
He is why we walked, but there were so many other parents there with stories about Comer and the great work being done there. I am glad Mary fought and didn't give up until she found this place.
Luke is a bright, funny boy who knows that his smile will get him anything he wants.
Sign me up for next year!