Partner.

Patient Partner- "The patient partner program pairs up kids who are current or former patients with runners to help inspire them". 

When I signed-up to be part of the Miles for Miracles Boston Children's Hospital Boston Marathon  team I had the choice to also join their "Patient Partner" program if I wanted.  I signed up for this program without hesitation.  It was the opportunity to be able to get more directly involved that I was looking for.  The chance to get, as BCH puts it, "inspired".  That has been fulfilled and then some.

I was sent an e-mail with the name of my Patient Partner a couple of weeks prior to the team kickoff event that was held a couple of weeks ago at Kings in Dedham, MA.  Just a name in an e-mail.  Patrick.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  It left me wanting to know more.  Wanting to know Patrick's story about how Children's has helped him and his family.  To find out more about him personally.  To put a face to the name.  To find out who Patrick is.

I wrote to his mom and she filled-in all the details.  Patrick is a very active and involved nine year old who is currently in the third grade.  He lives with his mom Karen, father John, twin brother Connor, brother Nicholas, a German Shepherd named Helga and a cat named Mr. Mustachio.  His mom told me that he loves to sing and dance and that he has "the most infectious laugh and smile".  After getting a chance to meet him in person, I have to completely agree by her accurate description!

He keeps himself very busy with multiple activities throughout the year including being a member of the Special Olympics soccer, basketball and swim teams.  He also plays adaptive lacrosse and challenger hockey.  He loves going to the beach and going out on the family boat in the summer.

How has Boston Children's Hospital helped Patrick and his family?  Patrick has Down Syndrome.  It is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21.  This genetic disorder, which varies in severity, causes lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. Patrick and his family have been going to BCH since he was born and are participating in the Down Syndrome program at the hospital. 

I look forward to this opportunity of my family being able to get to know Patrick and his family more and more as the days and weeks go on.  Patrick's story is only one out of countless many that demonstrate the impact that Boston Children's Hospital has on patients and their families.  Oh yeah, and runners by providing us with this great partnering opportunity.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!