Sun, March 1st, 2009
MERCEDES MARATHON 2009

The weather was perfect on Sunday, February 15, 2009 for the Mercedes Marathon.  Over 3,000 runners participated in this year’s marathon on a new course winding through downtown Birmingham.  Two relay teams, consisting of five members on each team, ran the 26 mile marathon in honor of Emily Krawczyk, my granddaughter, who was born with Down syndrome.  One team consisted of Emily’s mom, dad, family and friends.  The second team was comprised of brokers, agents, and family members from the RealtySouth Inverness office.  Funds raised from the two teams will go directly to the Bell Center for Early Childhood Intervention Programs in honor of Emily. 

The Bell Center and the services it provides continue to be such a huge blessing to our family.  Emily attends the toddler class two times per week for 2 hours each, and she loves it.  It is similar to preschool except that Emily is guided by a team of therapists and volunteers that work with her to make sure she is meeting developmental goals.  Emily is doing great including learning sign language, walking everywhere, and getting into everything!  Emily loves music, basketball, and especially emulating her big sister Margaret who is always teaching her new things.  Emily said her first words recently, “Hi Dada” as her father came home from work.  Our family is very proud of her and absolutely cannot imagine life without her.  She is so happy and full of personality.  The therapy she receives at the Bell Center is absolutely invaluable and is provided at a very nominal fee.  The Bell Center does not receive any government funding – it operates on money raised through various fundraisers throughout the year, primarily the Mercedes Marathon.  The Bell Center is a wonderful resource for our community, and we are lucky to have it.  At last count, approximately $9,000 has been contributed in Emily’s name…thanks to everyone who donated and to the relay teams who ran!!

Posted by Christina Rickey at 07:58 | Permalink |