Join Team Blythedale for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon!

Over the past three years, Team Continuum as contributed over $125,000 to support Blythedale Children’s Hospital as a result of fundraising that from Marathons in NYC, Boston, and London. Over the years, we have formed a strong partnership with Team Continuum and are forming a team again this year. Thank you, to all of the runners who “ran and raised” in the past. In effect, your efforts contributed to Team Continuum’s ability to support our programs among others.  In that regard, your commitment to the children of Blythedale means so much.

To find out about running for Team Blythedale in the 2010 ING Marathon on November 7, please contact Carey Dalton at (914) 592-7138, ext. 303 or email to careyd@blythedale.org.  Runners for 2010 are asked to raise a minimum of $2,950 per runner, but are encouraged to go beyond that on behalf of the children of Blythedale.

Team Blythedale’s 16 runners for the 2009 NYC Marathon included the parent of an outpatient, a teacher in the Hospital's on-site school, and a local fire-fighter, as well as a generous "ambassador" who qualified for the race, but offered to raise money for Blythedale as well.  While their reasons for running were diverse, there is one common thread running through it all - a deep commitment to supporting children with complex medical issues.

For over 115 years, Blythedale has served the region’s most medically fragile children, regardless of economic status.  Through a family-centered approach, round-the-clock medical and nursing care, integrated therapy programs and on-site public school, Blythedale helps patients reach their greatest potential and return home as soon as possible.  Last year, Blythedale began construction on a brand new state-of-the-art inpatient hospital.  With construction well underway, and a planned opening of fall of 2011, the new building will include an infant and toddler unit, as well as dedicated units for the specialized care of adolescent patients and children with traumatic brain injuries.  For more information on Blythedale Children’s Hospital, visit www.blythedale.org.

Meet some runners who have “ran and raised” for Team Blythedale:

Runner: Michael Frain

Marathons: 21

Ran in the 2008 Boston Marathon

Michael’s experience: “Setting this team up with the late Paul Nicholls for such an amazing cause was an easy effort to get behind. Running 26.2 miles in Boston with folks chanting Blythedale was even easier.”

Michael’s advice: “Visit the hospital, meet the children and the staff, then write your email to you family and friends.  Each morning, before you go for a run, remember the children.  Enjoy every minute of it - running 26.2M in the greatest race, in the greatest city in the world and for such an amazing cause.  It is an honor, a bucket list achievement, and a memory that will never fade.”

Runner: Cindi Fisher

Marathons: 10 (or soon to be)

Ran in the 2008 Boston Marathon

Cindi’s experience: “I found the experience touched me more than I actually thought it would.  I have run many races before but this time with a purpose.  The crowd was cheering for Blythedale as I ran past and made this race even more special. Before I ran the marathon I had a chance to spend some time with some of the children at Blythedale.  They were amazing!  Strong, friendly, happy and so open to letting me in to meet with them.  I will never forget that moment - the children were there with so much hope and happiness.”

What Cindi’s doing when she’s not running: “Spending most of my time with my 2 children and my husband (who just started running!).  I have a 5 year old daughter and a 7 year old son.  I feel so fortunate to have a wonderful supportive, healthy, loving family.”

Cindi’s advice: “Meet as many of the children as you can before the race and think of them as you run.  I am thankful that I was able to be a part of such a great event and with a wonderful purpose.”

Runner: Betsy Bowman

Marathons: 1

Ran in the 2008 New York City Marathon

Betsy’s experience: “As a member of the staff at Blythedale I found it inspiring to be able to do something so concrete for the children that I see here everyday.  They work so hard with their physical and occupational therapists, in school with their teachers, and to stay positive about the future – I was thrilled to be able work hard for them.  I found the experience inspiring.  It is a very strong motivator to know that you are running for those who may be physically unable to.”

Betsy’s advice: “Come visit.  Once you meet the kids, they become your inspiration.”

Fundraising Commitment: $2,950.00.

Your commitment must be reached, in full, on or before October 31, 2010.  For an extension, please contact us by October 25th.