Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run

Big announcement! I have signed up for the Columbus Marathon this fall. I am so happy to stay home for this year's big race and be part of this event for the third time in four years!

I am also happy to say that I have signed up to be a Children's Champion for the race. All of the proceeds go to help children in our community get the care they need.

After weighing 420 pounds just over five years ago, I feel so fortunate to have this ability to run on behalf of the children of Central Ohio, and advocate for their health and well-being in the process.

I have gotten to know over the last few years just how much impact this race has on the community and the importance that impact has on our Children's Hospital in Columbus. One of the programs I recently learned about is that Children's uses some of the funds it raises to bring doctors into schools in Columbus City Schools and other surrounding districts and ensure children's basic health care needs are met.

In addition to the sorts of programs the hospital has long been known for, such as the Ronald McDonald House.

Please consider contributing a few dollars toward this worthy cause that does so much for the most vulnerable in our city!

It will be my absolute pleasure on Oct. 19 for the thousands of children this marathon benefits!