Grants and Gifts from Over the Years

In addition to the generous donations from Run for Isis donors, we have received funding and gifts from many generous charities, public and non-profit organizations, as well as run-of-the mill folks. Now that I have a soap box, allow me to step up on it to give a Shout-Out to them all.


Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
I wrote a funded grant for the very first trip we took to Euro-Peds to cover the costs of lodging in and mileage to and from Detroit. If memory serves, the grant was to support my work as a parent, seizing the opportunity to network with professionals as well as other families while my daughter recieved what was, at the time, state of the art treatment. I couched my request in terms that, if funded, I could take what I had learned in and out of the clinic to many families. Hurray, they said yes!

First Hand Foundation
Another funded grant I wrote to cover some of the (cash-pay) costs of a two-week clinic visit to Euro-Peds. They graciously wrote a check to cover one-fifth of the cost. As a first-time grant-writer, I was, at this point 2-0.


Euro-Peds Scholarship
If a family can show financial need, there is a scholarship program at the Euro-Peds clinic. We were the grateful recipients of this program, which deducted one-fifth of the cost- also on our first trip. Can someone say 3-0?


Variety Children's Charity
Variety has a program called "Variety Kids on the Go!" which wants to get kids out and about and moving! They gave my baby her very own first bicycle. Five months after completing paperwork and submitting the application, a brand-new Freedom Concepts adapted tricycle arrived on our doorstep 2 weeks before Christmas (a coincidence, but still...) After wanting a bicycle for years, here was our chance. I vowed then and there to take full advantage of our windfall and told my girl she would be taking daily bike rides from now on. View our journey on Flickr here. 4-0. (Note: funding your dream projects is much easier than you think. Perservere and ye shall prevail.)

Children's Miracle Network
Traveling to and staying in another city while your child receives treatment which is crucial to her physical/cognitive/emotional development is quite expensive. The parent who works loses the pay and gains new expenses not limited to lodging, travel and food while gone. A friend told me about this program which helps defray lodging costs during these necessary visits. Contact the medical social worker at your local children's hospital to receive this essential support. I did and it has saved us thousands of dollars! Don't forget to donate to CMN at any opportunity because the work they do is really incomparable!

The Luke Billings Foundation
This foundation, conceived by local parents, has helped countless children from central Ohio attend Euro-Peds and other therapies that are necessary yet not covered by insurances. They covered one-fifth of the cost of one session for my daughter and I am so grateful for it. Ironically, this was the session where my 6 year-old finally learned how to roll over!


I want to express once more how very much it means to me that I have the opportunity to say a public Thank You to so many generous people and organizations! It takes a village and your help has made it all possible.

Run 4 Isis Rising

In 2002 Isis was born with a severe and irreversible form of cerebral palsy. Never expected to survive her first night, she is now almost eight years old. In 2005, her uncle Alexi had the great idea of running marathons as a way to raise funds for Isis to receive intensive physical therapy at the Euro-Peds clinic in Michigan. Those marathons have so far raised enough money for six life-changing visits, as well as many lessons and pieces of equipment. As Isis ages, the needs change, and the running continues.
We are currently considering the formation of a Run for Isis 501c3 nonprofit organization. This would be a way for donors to contribute to Isis and her future (whether it includes trips to Michigan or not...)

We started this blog as a central site that Run for Isis donors and supporters can visit to:

Learn about recent Run for Isis events
Check out marathon schedules
View photos & videos of Isis's progress

We thank you for your support, and hope you will contribute to the Run for Isis. Please follow this blog and invite your friends to pay us a visit.