ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Thousands of people laced up their sneakers to run in the 15th annual Wolfson Children’s Challenge on Saturday in St. Augustine. Two mothers said their kids’ lives were changed at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
RELATED: Thank You! Over $75K raised during Wolfson Children’s Challenge Telethon at WJXT
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The challenge raises money for Wolfson Children’s Rehabilitation to help kids get the care they need for medical issues they may be facing.
That money can help kids like 7-year-old Bella, who was born nearly three months premature, and then was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at three years old. Her mother Erika Bush, said it’s been a long journey.
“We had to come out and support because all of the wonderful care that we received and just to be a support and give back because they did an amazing job,” Bush said.
Bella has had two surgeries over the last two years on her back and both of her legs at Wolfson.
Bella had surgery on her back and both her legs over the last two years.
“We love to support our community. We love to support the children’s hospital,” Bush said.
The goal of this year’s challenge is to raise about $140,000. So far it’s raised more than $121,000.
They also raise money for 27-year-old Jake. His mother Kim Hetrick said he also has cerebral palsy.
“He has spent a lot of time of his life in children’s hospital when he was a child. He has had cerebral palsy since he was born. Wolfson was there for us, and I just feel really honored to be here to give back,” Hetrick said.
Hetrick also represents a group named Ainsley’s Angels of America. They are honoring the life of a young girl named Ainsley who was born with a rare neurological disorder. She died at 12 years old in 2017.
“Her father pushed her in the chair, and he saw the wind blowing in her face, and she was smiling,” Hetrick said.
All of these people trying to make a difference with their feet at Nocatee Station Field to make a difference in the lives of children faced with medical challenges.
A few weeks ago, News4JAX hosted the Wolfson Children’s Challenge Telethon which raised more than $83,000 for the same cause.