For those of you who know, you know!

I have been involved with Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in St Louis, Mo, for the past 16 months. This facility is a local Rehabilitation Center for children ages 0-21 yrs. The mission at this facility and the amazing people who work there are tantamount in the recovery/healing process for so many children.

I’ve been introduced to several families who have (or had) children at the facility and have grown exceptionally close to a few of them. Watching their struggles, their victories and their set-backs is as emotional as you could ever imagine. Some of these families watch their children grow up in this facility. That is incredibly difficult knowing that your child doesn’t have the ability to leave the care and support that is given at Ranken Jordan. However, what the family does receive is HOPE! HOPE that one day their child is strong enough and medically cleared to leave and come home where they truly belong.

I’ve also met children, who for unknown reasons, don’t have familial support. These children are wards of the state and many of them will never get well enough to leave on their own. Many will ‘age out’ and then move on to another care facility or a nursing home.

Regardless of the child’s status, they are all given the same expert care, love and support!

My story is about one family in particular, but it applies to all the children who are patients/residents at Ranken Jordan for whatever reason or disability.

Last summer, I met a family whose child had been severely injured in a motor vehicle accident. They had been a patient at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital (for approx. 30 days, with several extensive surgeries) in St Louis and then moved to Ranken Jordan for the rehabilitation to re-learn how to do several common tasks (standing, walking, bending…) that you and I take for granted. I had several long talks with the mother. She was scared, initially, because the staff were all trying to get her child to do things that were still somewhat painful to them (injuries from the accident). The mother never left the child’s side, through all of it. She was there for every physical therapy session, every occupational therapy session, every recreation therapy and other specialty sessions. The mom met some amazing staff members, but was still so concerned for her daughter’s safety and well-being.

The first week was a mental and physical challenge for the entire family. Unsure the rehab facility was the right path for them, the mother voiced her concerns to the team in charge. The team was patient and understanding and listened to everything she had to say. When the mother was finished, the team spoke up, one by one, to explain their separate goals. When everyone finished with their part, the team director detailed how all of the ‘pieces’ fit into the overall puzzle. The mother was free to cancel any session she felt was necessary, but the team made it clear that if her child didn’t get back into things quickly, the child might not ever get back into them. Along with all of these therapies, the family was also assigned a psychologist on site. Another piece of the puzzle!

This particular family had a 30 day stay at Ranken Jordan and by the time the child was discharged, the entire family was well on their way to a full recovery. The love and professional care the child received was second to none! The family credits this facility with enabling their child to do ALL the things they used to do and so much more. After discharge, the family has still been involved with out-patient therapy. The child is always eager to see the therapist and recognizes just how far they’ve come. The mother is forever indebted to the fine professionals who not only work but exude the love and support that each of these young children need and deserve to remain HOPEFUL about their future.

This story is just one of many! And I would love your support as I try and raise funds for such an amazing cause. At the end of this month, I’ll be running a Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in Belleville, IL. I am going to take that opportunity and reach out to family and friends and ask if any of you would like to support me (and ultimately the children at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital) in this journey. ALL funds raised will go directly to Ranken Jordan!! I know times are challenging right now and we’re all tightening our pockets a bit, but my hope is that you could find just a few dollars (maybe just $1.oo p/mi, any donation is a victory) to give to these incredible children and the amazing Staff that supports them each and every day!