https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aX8eKTkEy0 Three years has faded the intensity of some of the emotions we felt when Jack went through his surgeries, but when we go up to the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock for the CHaD HERO Half Marathon and 5K it brings some of those memories back. But with them a flood of gratitude.

I feel so grateful that our little guy is healthy today and so grateful for the amazing families and CHaD staff we have met through the years.

This weekend we all went up to CHaD for the ChaD HERO event, which includes a 5K walk/run, a half marathon, hike and kids fun run. They close off the streets around the Hanover Green and set up a little block part for the kids complete with safari animals and bouncy house. It's been a fun day for the whole family each time we have come up. This year my parents joined us and it was great to have their support.

They walked the 5K just as a snow squall rolled through and then our family ran Cam's Course-the kids fun run as a family. Sophia ran so strong and hardly stopped at all. A mile was a breeze for her!

Shortly after I toed the line for the 5K. The start is always a really meaningful time for me. During the national anthem I think about all the people who have donated (that's YOU!) and think about some of the difficult moments we navigated with Jack. By the time the anthem finishes I'm usually fighting back tears and this year was no different.

I had few expectations going into the 5K. I was hoping to get into the 20:xx, but the hills got the best of me and I came in at 21:08 (6:48 pace), finishing as the second woman.

We drove home with three tired kiddos falling asleep in the back seat, worn out from a great day.

I just want to say a HUGE thank you to all of you who donated! I was able to raise a total of $3,408! All of that goes directly to CHaD and will help provide amazing services for sick and injured kids and their families. THANK YOU!

[Tweet "Thank you for being a HERO we raised $3408 for @chadkids!"]

--Sarah

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