Announcing the PITTER PATTER 5k! Please join the Hudson David McNeel Foundation on October 7th for our annual fundraiser! This family friendly, stroller friendly 5k event is open to anyone who is ready to take a step forward and join us in making a difference! When you participate in the Pitter Patter 5k, you will be making a big impact on premature lives. Remember, one small step in the right direction can lead to big change, and we're here to make that happen! Proceeds will benefit the most critical preterm babies being cared for at the University of Washington Medical Center's level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, serving a 5 state region. 100% of all ticket sales and donations will fund top priorities in the unit and directly help each and every baby.
Every attendee registered by September 26th will receive a FREE event day tee shirt! Whether you walk, run, skip, skate, stroll or scoot, join us for a morning of family fun taking BIG STRIDES FOR LITTLE LIVES! This will not be a timed event, we're gathering to have fun, spread awareness and be the change these babies need! Every participant will enjoy a 5 kilometer course along the beautiful, paved pathway overlooking Lake Washington at Seward Park.
- Children under 5 will receive free admission (no event shirt)
- Leashed dogs allowed if fully vaccinated and well behaved
- We will participate rain or shine
- Corporate matching and sponsorship opportunities available
- Sorry, event tickets cannot be refunded
- Purchase tickets by visiting: https://pitterpatter5k.brownpapertickets.com
- And take a moment to learn more about Heather McNeel, and her mission, below.
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Please take a few minutes to read her story and find out how you can support her mission ... including details about a special fundraising event happening at Fox Hollow Farm in September.
What is your MISSION? What do you want to accomplish?
My mission is to educate the general public and raise awareness around prematurity, the #1 cause of infant death. It’s a worldwide growing epidemic yet it’s rarely talked about. As a mother, I was not in tune to the fact that 15 million babies every year are born prematurely until our first child, Hudson, was born. Our Foundation raises money to help premature babies and their families, all while honoring his life. It is my passion and goal to turn this into a lifelong legacy.
What inspired you to create the Hudson McNeel Foundation?
How did your life before children influence the mom you are today? What part do your children play in your current mission?
What lessons/values are you learning through this process? What lessons/values do you hope your kids are learning?
I have learned a great deal over the past 7 ½ years, from creating the Foundation to continually cultivating it. It’s been a tremendous outlet for me to funnel my grief and turn it into something positive by helping others in need. I have seen first-hand how the Foundation has made an impact and it drives me to continually do more. I am serving my 6th year on the NICU Advisory Board and love being able to personally contribute my time by developing programs to help the babies and their families going through a similar experience. I hope that as my girls get older, they too will understand the importance and value in helping others.
What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
As a busy mother, it’s easy to put everyone and everything else first. I try to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, and set aside time for my family and friends. I live by a fairly rigid day-to-day schedule yet understand the importance of making time to stop, reflect and feel thankful. It’s certainly all about finding that balance. Some days I’m just better at it than others. ;)
What can we do to support you and the Hudson McNeel Foundation?