Team VACTERL is a sister duo with a shared love of running and an even bigger reason for lacing up our shoes each year. Born just 14 months apart, we've always been more than sisters—we're best friends, teammates, and now running partners.
Each year, we lace up our shoes for the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Half Marathon to support the hospital that has been such an important part of our family's journey. Our team is named after VACTERL Association, the rare condition our daughter and niece, Arabella, was born with.
Since her birth, Arabella has spent 48 days in the NICU, undergone more than 30 surgeries, and continues to receive specialized care through Nationwide Children's Hospital. The doctors, nurses, specialists, and staff have helped our family navigate challenges we never expected, and their support has made an immeasurable difference in her life.
Our running journey has also been shaped by the incredible community we've found through the Columbus West Side Running Club (CWRC). What began as a way to stay active quickly became so much more. CWRC welcomed us with encouragement, friendship, accountability, and plenty of laughs along the way. Being surrounded by runners of all abilities has helped us grow stronger, more confident, and more committed to our goals.
Every mile we run represents our gratitude for the care Arabella has received, the support of our running community, and our hope that other families will continue to benefit from the life-changing work happening at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Thank you for supporting Team VACTERL and joining us on this journey.
