Milan's Miracle

Milan Maria Capobianco was born December 8, 2000 in Grand Rapids. She was told she would never walk, but she danced in flip flops. Then she was told she would be legally blind, and instead she saw the world clearly. But in the end, Milan lost her biggest fight with an inoperable brain tumor. And, sadly, she died at the age of eight on Febraury 12, 2009. Milan’s Miracle Fund was established by her parents, Sharyn and Philip, at first to help her, but now to support families with kids coping with cancer.

Cancer is the number one cause of death in children, more so than any other disease. In the United States alone, there are 46 children diagnosed with some form of cancer each day. One third of them will die within the first year. Brain tumors are the deadliest of all childhood cancers, but brain tumor research is underfunded and the public remains unaware of the magnitude of this disease.  

Did you know pediatric cancer receives 30 cents compared to every dollar going to breast cancer?

As part of the effort to raise awareness and rally support for the cause, Milan’s Miracle Run is the first 8k run in West Michigan dedicated to fight pediatric cancer. Why an 8K? “This is to highlight the fact that there are eight primary pediatric cancers,” says Milan’s parents.

The second annual event will take place on April 29 at Millennium Park. Also, since all money raised stays local, donors can rest assured that children right here in West Michigan will be the beneficiaries. Last year’s event included 500 runners and raised $15,000. This year’s event will also include a 3K walk and a 1K Superhero & Princess dress-up “fun run” for children.

Want to get involved? Here’s how to put the good back in do-gooder:

·         Register to run in the 8K event
·         Learn more about the organization
·         Make an online donation
·         LIKE them on facebook

Source:  Sharyn and Philip Capobianco, Milan’s Miracle Fund
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor