This year’s Medical Mile was a special event for two local kids who have been a part of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals family for much of their young lives.
Danielle Roeder, 12, and 7-year-old Blake Shanks both participated in the event, something that would have seemed impossible only a few years ago.
Danielle (center, in pink above) had been in a wheelchair, diagnosed with L-Dopa Responsive Dystonia. Doctors were hoping she might walk again someday, but there were no guarantees. With medication, a hip surgery and years of physical therapy, Danielle can now walk and run.
Despite battling the flu Saturday morning, she was determined to press on alongside her dad, Greg, several friends from school and many of her dad’s co-workers from the Springfield Police Department.
“I’m excited — it’s my first race,” she says. “Without CMN I probably wouldn’t be here.”
On Saturday, Blake Shanks made a return appearance in the event, running with his parents and younger sister.
“He’s been here year after year running the mile with a smile on his face,” his mom, Amanda, says.
When Blake was born, doctors thought a heart defect would prevent him from ever playing sports. As he’s grown and received medical care, he has turned into a budding athlete, playing basketball and baseball.
“He has defeated all the odds and he surprises his doctors every time we see them,” Amanda says.
For both families, support from CMN Hospitals has been key – helping with bills, travel expenses and serving as a local resource the young families could turn to.
“They’ve helped us with so much, it’s important for us to give back,” Danielle’s mom, Suzanne, says. “They do such great work for kids.”
“You never think you’ll need help from a charity,” Amanda says. “Now the staff at CMN are an extended family to all of us. We’re good friends with everyone who works there; I love all of them.”
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