RUNNING 4 MIRACLES-MYRTLE BEACH

On March 7, I will run the Myrtle Beach Marathon in honor of Oliver, who continues to inspire all who know his story.

7-year-old Oliver was born at Conway Medical Center in Conway, SC at 34 weeks, nearly six weeks premature, via emergency cesarean section. His mother, Stephanie, had been hospitalized with gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and doctors determined immediate delivery was necessary. Oliver was born at 6:01 PM, weighing 6 lbs. 4.8 oz. and measuring 18 inches long.

Oliver was diagnosed with neonatal respiratory distress due to underdeveloped lungs and difficulty breathing. He was transferred by Life Reach, a mobile neonatal intensive care unit, to McLeod Children’s Hospital in Florence, SC, for specialized care. During transport, he was placed in a mobile incubator that provided warmth, oxygen, and vital monitoring.

In the NICU, Oliver received oxygen, phototherapy for jaundice, and nutrition through a feeding tube while learning to breathe and eat on his own. With each passing day, he grew stronger. The compassionate NICU staff supported our family every step of the way. After 12 days, Oliver came home and continued to thrive.

Today, Oliver is seven years old and doing wonderfully. He is a loving, kind, and compassionate child, and we are incredibly proud of him.

Myrtle Beach is Leg #13 of our MiracleMission, Running4Miracles—running 50 marathons in 50 states to honor 50 preemies. Past states include WV, MN, DE, LA, OK, VA, RI, KY, AR, IN, OH, and PA, raising over $21,000 to support premature children.

We dedicate our efforts to paying it forward for the support we received from the Children’s Miracle Network. Our son Brooks, now 20, was born at 25 weeks, weighing just 1 lb. 6 oz. He spent four months in the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital NICU. Our goal is $1 million before completing all 50 states—the cost of his care. Brooks, our million-dollar baby, is proof that miracles do happen.

​Running4Miracles-Jason