Krissy Young has set an impressive goal.
She aims to run 260 km in just 26 days. Along with her team, the cleverly named Baby, I Was Born To Run…, she also hopes to raise $26,000 for Southlake.
Krissy’s connection to the hospital began a few years ago. Krissy and her husband Shaun were already the parents of two young toddlers, when in 2017 her twins were born eight weeks premature. She spent 26 days in Southlake’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
While those 26 days felt like a lifetime, Krissy looks back on that time with gratitude. Her babies received excellent care and she was grateful to be close be home. She was impressed by the team of doctors, nurses and therapists in the NICU, who she witnessed working tirelessly to support many babies and their families. 26 is indeed the magic number behind the goals she’s set.
Lately Krissy and her family have welcomed the sunshine, warmer temperatures and the promise of brighter days that lies ahead. You’re likely to find her and her young children—Liam, 6, Charlotte, 5, and 4-year-old twins Connor and Kyle, all born at Southlake—out on a “seek and search” walk together, looking for treasures.
Krissy is a kindergarten teacher and her children have been enjoying virtual learning, a format she feels comfortable with. The family can’t afford to take any chances when it comes to Covid-19. Connor and Kyle were born with underdeveloped lungs; while they are now healthy boys, their lungs haven’t quite caught up yet and both twins have asthma. Krissy continues to come to Southlake because of these issues.
Six-year-old Liam will be by his mom’s side for the last 2 km of most of her runs, as he has committed to running 50 km himself. “He knows why we are doing this and he has practiced,” says his mom. Liam will also be raising money through a lemonade and snack stand.
Krissy’s run will finish on Mother’s Day, the same day four years ago that Krissy was able to hold her son Connor for the first time.
She hopes the money and awareness raised will help other families who are beginning their own journeys in the NICU at Southlake. For Krissy, the 2021 Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake is the perfect way for her family to say thank you.
Says the proud mom of four, “Southlake has given us so much to be thankful for.”
About the Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake
The 2021 Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake runs until Sunday, May 9th. It’s a virtual event and participating couldn’t be easier or more convenient.
You choose how to get active, whether it’s walking, running, biking, swimming or skipping. Whatever is most enjoyable and motivating, you can do! You’ll also get the chance to learn about various aspects of good health along the way.
To stay safe, physical distancing guidelines remain in place for participants.
It’s not too late to sign up! If you do, be sure to enlist the support of your family and friends. Those who are able to fundraise $100 get access to exclusive wellness content. Learn more here.
Help get the word out about the 2021 Nature's Emporium Run for Southlake. Use #runforsouthlake across all your social media accounts; show your friends and neighbours how much fun you're having. Be sure to follow the Southlake Foundation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for pre-event details, motivational content, fundraising tips and more.
Visit the Southlake Foundation on social media:
Facebook @SouthlakeFoundation
Twitter @SouthlakeFndn
Instagram @southlakefndn
Register today. RunForSouthlake.ca