Thank you for visiting our Children's Champion page. Did you know the purpose of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon is to raise funds to support life-saving research and care? Nationwide Children’s Hospital is committed to treating all children regardless of their family’s ability to pay, which cannot be achieved without community support and generosity. 

Our team is raising funds for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in support of Mila Kimmel, who was born with VACTERL association, a rare disorder that affects many body systems. VACTERL is an acronym that stands for vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, trachea-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities. People diagnosed with VACTERL association typically have at least three of these characteristic features.  Mila lived in the NICU at Children's from January 25, 2022 (her birthday) through May 2022, she has undergone 7 major surgeries including open heart, stomach, intestine, bowel, and nose repairs, all which have been successful thanks to the skillful surgeons, doctors, nurses, and therapists at Nationwide Children's Hospital.  Mila still has many challenges ahead including possible spine, mouth, and nose surgeries and routine speech, physical, and food therapies.  Mila is by far the toughest 16-month old I've ever met and her family couldn't be more proud of all that she has overcome at such a young age. Please Donate or Join our Team (Miles for Mila Marie) and help raise funds for VACTERL Research and the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction (CCPR). We greatly appreciate your support!