The 2nd Annual NeSmith Way 5K will be held Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 8 am.  The race will be held at the Phipps Family farm located at 4300 North Meridian Road, Tallahassee, FL.  We didn’t hesitate to say yes last year when we were asked to sponsor.   We were honored to be apart of such a great event to raise money for such a cause.

This year this event means even more to us because it hits close to home.  In December 2019, our 9 year old son was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).  JIA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system, which is supposed to fight germs and viruses, gets confused and attacks the body’s cells and tissues. This causes inflammation that attacks the joints and other organs.  Mornings are often hard.  Some days our son can barely walk because its so painful.  In order to prevent joint damage, we have to give our son weekly injections of a low dose chemo to suppress his immune system as well as some other medications.

We are grateful for the medical staff at UF Shands Children’s Hospital for giving us answers after a long year of doctor appointments and un-answered questions.  The hardest part was seeing our son in pain and not knowing the cause.  He was alway an active child, very athletic.  We began to see it affect his physical abilities and he always so tired.  Unfortunately, Tallahassee just doesn’t have the pediatric specialist we need so we travel to Gainesville every few months.  Our son has regular visits with his Pediatric Rheumatologist and Pediatric Ophthalmologist because JIA can also effect the eyes.

Like so many families in Tallahassee, we now have a true understanding of the importance of pediatric specialties offering medical care to children.  The Children’s Miracle Network is making that happen and they care so much for our children in Tallahassee.

The NeSmith Way 5K offers runners what few other events of this kind can; the opportunity to enjoy a cool morning run while experiencing challenging trails through the picturesque countryside of the Phipps families’ Meridian Meadows property.  Each sponsor and participant ensure Miracles will be made for our kids in need of specialized and sub-specialized pediatric care.

Each registered participant will receive a ticket to Miracles on Madison, taking place on May 9, 2020 on Madison St. in College Town.

Proceeds from this event benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital and their local outreach initiatives within the Tallahassee area. Your support ensures children from our area treated by Shands will receive the best in specialized pediatric medical care when they need it.