Why I Ran the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon - Kelly's Story
By: Kelly Hilsin O'Connor
I am a Registered Nurse at Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC. My nursing career has been primarily been in critical care, with the past two years as a member of the ECMO team at Levine Children’s Hospital. ECMO, which stands for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is a form of treatment that provides lung and heart support during critical illness. ECMO therapy is an important aspect of care in the treatment of our patients with congenital heart disease. While caring for these patients, I often became close with their families and observed the emotional and financial struggles they endure having a child with CHD. I wanted to find a way I could make a difference and help in the fight against CHD.
When I was presented the opportunity to run for The Children’s Heart Foundation at the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon, I felt there was no better way to help support the patients and families I care for. I have always been an avid runner and one of my personal goals was to run a marathon. I realized that running the NYC Marathon with The Children’s Heart Foundation's team would be the perfect way to achieve my dream of completing a marathon, while also supporting a cause that I am passionate about. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the foundation’s cause to help support funding for CHD research and create awareness.
Kelly ran the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon on The Children's Heart Foundation's team.
