Encouragement at Michaela’s Mile! As the sponsor of the Columbus Marathon, Nationwide Children’s Hospital honors current or former patients as “Mile Champions.” People are encouraged to donate to certain areas of the hospital in honor of each Mile Champion. This year’s Mile Champion for Mile 25 was Michaela Calkins. As the youngest child of Chris and Kristi Calkins and sister to Ethan and Annalisa, Michaela was diagnosed with and treated for celiac disease while in the first grade. As a Mile Champion, Michaela chose to raise awareness and funding for the Gastroenterology Department at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The Calkins family recently visited Costa Rica, so Michaela was motivated to choose a Costa Rican theme for her Mile Champion display at Mile 25 of the marathon. Inflatable animals and jungle décor set the tone for fun and encouragement as the runners passed by. A group of adults and students from Violet joined Michaela and her family to encourage the runners. It was wonderful to see the faces of the runners as our group cheered them on, using the first names printed on their race bibs. It was a special, memorable day as our church members joined the Calkins family to spread joy and encouragement at Mile 25!
Thanks, Pastor Keith Hurt Next Gen Pastor keithh@violetchurch.com (614)460-9271
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