Ladybug Run for CDH Awareness

From RD Liz:

Every year after the opening remarks at Ladybug Run, I think about all the things I wished I had said. How there is so much more I wanted to say, but I am balancing the fact that people didn't come for a TED talk and just want to run, but I want to educate and share and help people understand why the funding is desperately needed for CDH families and research, and have so many thoughts and feelings.. and I end up saying just a sliver of what's inside.

I wish I would have shared how we used funds this past year to help cover funeral expenses, and helped families who wanted to travel to hospitals out of state. That we donated $60,000 across various CDH research projects. How we are paying for families who need hotel rooms when they travel for medical appointments, or when they have to relocate early before giving birth and insurance won't cover yet.

I wish I could have shared that even though the survival rates look like they are improving, we have connected with more loss parents than survivor parents in the last 2 years. So statistics don't mean anything- they are numbers and not lives affected. Each life lost is catastrophic to those families and I dream of a day when this is no longer a "life-threatening" birth defect, because my own daughter has a 50% chance of having a baby born with defect.

I wish I would have remembered to thank the amazing humans that help put on Ladybug Run for CDH Awareness and selflessly spent months working on getting things ready, getting sponsors and donations and making calls and some of them CDH parents who work through the whole event and don't really get to enjoy the day. I see you and thank you all so much. I am so appreciative. You are rockstars.

I wish I would have asked for more help. We need more people to step up and help on the race committee next year. Many hands make light work, and there were areas that we didn't have covered well this year (my fault) and we could really used some more people helping. It doesn't take much time, we need need more help. Join the committee!! It's fun - I promise!!!
Every year I am just so thankful for another year of this event. 15 years is a huge landmark for any event- but especially a race. The day is so special, not just because we get to move our bodies another day, but because we are there as ONE community, celebrating and grieving together.

I wish I could have hugged every person there. But I hope you all know - that I appreciate you and appreciate the love, support and care that we have received since the moment of Finley's diagnosis. This foundation and event exists because of the people that were God's hands and feet to us, so we could turn around and help multiply that back.

So much I could still say, but I'll just finish with THANK YOU.

Mystery solved!! The woman was actually meant to be grabbing the 5k walk overall medal for a family member, but was given the 5k run medal instead, and then the left without realizing the mistake. She has generously offered to mail the medal to the winner!

So at the awards ceremony this morning, a woman claimed the 5K Open 1st place medal and said she knew the winner - the actual winner actually came up a few moments later and did not know that woman and we couldn't find her.

If you accidentally claimed the Female 5K Open 1st medal- can you DM us and return it? The actual winner would like her medal.

We are so thankful for Hoffman Construction Company’s continued support since our very first year!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Virtual Runners in Minneapolis!

Would still love more helpers for Saturday- even if you can't help in the morning - we also need help breaking down after the race, unloading at our storage unit off Denny, and at the ORRC storage unit off TV highway... any help is greatly appreciated!!

Ladybug Run for CDH Awareness 5K/10K The Ladybug Run for CDH Awareness 5K/10K is on Saturday July 11, 2026. It includes the following events: 5K Run, 10K Run, Kids 1/2 or 1 Mile (Untimed), Diaper Dash, Virtual 5K, Virtual 10K, 5K Walk, 10K Relay, and Virtual Kid Race (10 and under).

ARE YOU EXCITED?

WE ARE!

Just 5 days until race day!!

Temps are looking perfect. Beer and Wine will be chilled. will be hot (or cold if you so desire), there will be music in the air and many PRs will be achieved.

Survivors will be celebrated, and those gone too soon will be remembered and cherished.

There are still spots if you want to register. Online closes tomorrow night - and you can register at packet pick up locations, or on race morning. Can't wait to see you!

We’re excited to partner with the Ladybug Run as a packet pickup location! 🐞❤️
Pick up your race packet at either Foot Traffic West (July 8th, 2-6PM) or Sellwood (July 9th, 2-6pm), then join the fun on race day. There’s still time to register for the 5K or 10K and support an incredible cause!

Just 10 days until we are lining up at the Ladybug Run start line... will you be there?

Online registration closes on 7/8 and then prices increase for race day registration.
www.ladybugrun.com