Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters,
I am so proud to lead Team VACTERL as we run and fundraise for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon as official Children’s Champions!
This mission is deeply personal. My daughter, Arabella, was born prematurely and spent 48 days in the NICU at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Since then, we’ve been frequent visitors—receiving care and support through the Craniofacial Clinic, Dental Clinic, and most importantly, the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction (CCPR).
Arabella is a resilient and joyful child—and part of what’s known as the VACTERL association, a group of rare birth defects that requires ongoing, multidisciplinary care. The expert teams at Nationwide Children’s have walked alongside us every step of the way, providing hope, answers, and life-changing treatment.
Through Team VACTERL, we’re coming together to give back. We’ve set a fundraising goal of $1,500 (and we’re hoping to stretch that to $2,000) to support the hospital’s work and especially the incredible team at CCPR. Every single dollar makes an impact by supporting:
- Groundbreaking research
- Compassionate clinical care
- Resources for patients and families around the world
Whether you donate, share our mission, or cheer us on—your support means the world. Thank you for helping us make a difference for Arabella and countless others like her.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Brittney Hirst
Team Captain – Team VACTERL
