Thank you so much for visiting my page. I am running the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon this year as my second ever marathon in honor of my late grandmother, Bonnie Bishop.
Bonnie was a beloved part of Nationwide Children's Child Life and Hospice teams for many years and right up until just a few days before she fell ill. Being a Certified Child Life Specialist and supporting children in the Emergency Room meant everything to her. Because of this, I've asked that donations made in her honor here be directed to the Family and Volunteer Services department, the department that houses the Child Life program and her team that she loved so much.
For those who may not know, Child Life Specialists support kids in understanding what goes on in the hospital and what might be happening to them or their siblings. Even something as small as an IV needle can be terrifying to a kid - these team members are experts in child development who use that expertise to help the child understand and hopefully not be so afraid. It isn't always just little kids, too - my grandma always said that even the teenagers in the room need a teddy bear.
It is an honor to run in such a remarkable woman's memory. If you're in or around the race route on race day, you'll see me there in all purple, her favorite color.
Please consider supporting the most meaningful marathon in the country by making a donation today.