SPECIAL KIDS OF TN

Special Kids of Tennessee has had a fond place in my heart for several years now. I was first introduced to Special Kids when my two beautiful and healthy girls were in ballet. We were blessed to have met two others equally adorable girls, and their mothers, who had used the services of Special Kids for their daughters, both of which had been born with special needs. One of those mothers became one of the most prescious friends I have ever had the privilege to have in my life. Hearig her story, and realizing how traumatic having a child with a special need can be, truly makes you look at your life in a different perspective.

In case you've never heard of Special Kids, let me give you a brief lesson on their history and humble beginnings. Special Kids was started by a nurse, Carrie Goodwin, who was very saddened to see families and children with special needs beng turned away from much needed out-patient facilities because they could not financially afford their services.

Carrie dreamed of a place where children with special needs, and those who were medically fragile would come for rehabilitation and care without being turned away due to financial restraints. These prescious children, who were also blessings from God, would be embraced with Christian love and healing arms. They would not be turned away for lack of funds.

The Christy Houston Foundation in Rutherford County, put forth the funds that enabled Goodwin to build the facility she had dreamed of, and the doors were opened debt free in September 1998. Since its opening, Special Kids of TN has served over 1,200 families in eleven TN counties.

In order for this wonderful program to continue, they depend on the generous donations from business and individuals, as well as various fundraisers to continue providing care for medically fragile children. One of their biggest fundraisers is having a team to run the full or half marathon in Nashville, and now in Walt Disney World. I was fortunate enough to be able to run and complete the full Country Music Marathon in support of Special Kids a few years ago. If you think you would like to experience the challenge of running a half or full marathon, but doubt you would have the motivation needed...then I encourage you to contact Special Kids. You will be given unbelieveable coaching, as well as support from extremely knowledgeable runners. If you are intimidated about not being a fast runner, or even being a walker, then have no fear! There will be runners of all levels that participate in this fundraiser event. More importantly, you will be given a children in which to "run for." You will get to know the circumstances of this child and even get to know them personally, if you choose. It is very motivational to know that you are out running while a child may be wheel chair bounds, or even fighting for their life.

The first team meeting for the Walt Disney World Marathon will be Aug. 8. Meetings for the County Music Marathon will be early fall. If you are interested in running a marathon, you can contact Special Kids at 893-1003.

If you are not a runner or walker, and have no desire to participate in a marathon or half marathon, let me take this opportunity to strongly encourage you to support Special Kids through your generous donations or other fundraising events of your choice. Special Kids depends on our donations to keep their doors open to truly special children who are gifts from God. If you have been blessed with healthy children like I have, I know you will be touched when you read about the ministry of Special Kids! For more information on Special Kids, be sure to check out their website, at www.SpecialKidsTN.com.