The Mario Lemieux Foundation has had a very important role in my family's life. In 2014, I had to have emergency brain surgery to remove an AVM that was next to my brain, that was caused by my blood disorder, HHT. The Austin's Playrooms that were set up inside the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh were an amazing escape from the circumstances I was facing at the time. Having an area to escape to as a young kid, while undergoing various surgeries and tests, really helps make the dark and dreary hospital stay a little less gloomy.
The Mario Lemieux Foundation's work has had a priceless effect on my family and that is something that I will always be grateful for. Now being able to, I want to be able to give back to the organization that did so much for me. Running the 6.6k and fundraising for the foundation will hopefully be the beginning of giving back to the organization that has had such a bright impact on my family and I's life.
