Micah is a typical 5-year-old boy who is anything but typical. Born with caudal regression syndrome, a condition characterized by abnormal development of the lower spine, Micah became a patient at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) at the age of four months. “When he was born, his little legs looked like a pretzel,” said Micah’s mother, Michelle.
Although he doesn’t have the use of his legs, nothing holds him back. He plays outfield on his neighborhood tee ball team, is training to compete in a 5K race and recently began gymnastics. It is this determination and enthusiasm that has inspired more than 40 runners to lace up their sneakers and hit the pavement as part of Team Micah at this year’s MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon presented by NexBank benefiting TSRHC. Micah’s parents, Jon and Michelle, learned that the hospital was the beneficiary of the marathon, and they decided that they would run the race to raise funds for TSRHC.
“Knowing that we could help the hospital that has given us so much and never charged us a penny, we knew we had to get involved and give back,” Michelle said. “I would guess the care Micah has received at TSRHC would have cost every bit of $500,000,” Michelle said. “Add the stress of trying to find the best specialist for your child, and what TSRHC has provided is priceless.”
So, together with family members and friends, they formed Team Micah.
“Team Micah is a group of family, friends and strangers who see the awesome impact TSRHC has had on Micah’s life,” Michelle said. “That is why we run, that is why we fundraise and that is why we give back.” The first year, Team Micah raised $5,000 for the hospital, and since then, the team has grown to 44 runners raising a total of more than $26,000 for TSRHC. The team’s goal for the 2009 marathon is to raise $15,000. Micah also has a goal this year. He began training and will race in the Mayor’s Race 5K Fun Run and Walk as part of the marathon weekend. He has a special racing chair that he uses to train with his parents.
“Micah understands why we run each year, and he has learned how wonderful it feels to give,” Michelle said.
This year’s marathon will be held on December 13. Jon, Michelle and their 40-plus family, co-workers and friends from throughout Texas will once again don bright yellow Team Micah T-shirts and will cross the finish line with thousands of runners in support of TSRHC.
“It is an amazing feeling to know that we have a small part in helping TSRHC give so many children the special care they need,” Michelle said. “The hospital does more than put casts on legs or help a child get a wheelchair. They give children confidence and independence. They have done this for our son, and we want to be a part of the hospital doing this for other families.”
About Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children:
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. There is no charge to patient families for treatment at the hospital, and admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org.
