Brixton Pearson spent 60 days in the NICU at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt (submitted photo)
For the past four years, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, resident Jason Conway has selected a marathon to run — actually four.
While he enjoys long-distance road racing, his real satisfaction comes from the awareness and money he raises for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) at pediatric hospitals.
Conway’s son, Brooks, now 20, was born at 25 weeks weighing 1 pound and 6 ounces. He spent four months in the NICU at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
“During our journey, CMN was always there,” said Conway. “I knew that Brooks survived because of CMN, and I wanted to pay it forward.”
For nine years, Conway hosted a “home run for miracles” event in his backyard. Participants paid for a chance to hit a home run using Wiffle balls. He raised more than $20,000 for CMN.
Then the family moved.
Conway had to figure out another way to champion CMN, which supports critical funding needs at local children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada. Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is one of 170 pediatric hospitals that receive unrestricted funds from CMN to assist with lifesaving treatments, health care services, innovative research, medical equipment and more.
“I had started running, and I thought … What if I run 50 marathons in 50 states and raise money for children’s hospitals in each state?” he said. “I didn’t tell a soul. I did two marathons as a trial. I decided I was going to go for it and called it ‘Running 4 Miracles,’” said Conway. “I’m running for babies who entered the world too soon. And I’m running for parents who suddenly found themselves in a fight they never expected.”
The family will appear with Jason Conway on “Today in Nashville” on NBC, Friday, April 24, @ 2:30-3 p.m.
Conway has run a total of 13 marathons so far. He runs two in the spring and two in the fall, and his second spring race this year is the Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville marathon on April 25.
He is running in honor of Brixton Pearson, now 11. Born Dec. 12, 2014, Brixton spent 60 days in the NICU at Monroe Carell.
“We think this is amazing,” said Holli Pearson, Brixton’s mom. “Ever since we were introduced to Jason, we have followed his journey. Not only did he give so much to where his own son was born, but he continues to give nationwide. It’s very inspiring. We absolutely love what he is doing.”
Pearson is looking forward to meeting Conway in person. The family will appear with the runner on “Today in Nashville” on NBC, Friday, April 24, from 2:30-3 p.m.
Conway’s fundraising goal is $5,001.60 in recognition of his son’s birthweight.
