Why We Race — Ellie Fontanetta’s Story

Now six years old, Ellie Fontanetta is more than a miracle to all who know and meet her. Her mother Nikki says that Children’s Memorial Hospital took her in and cared for her like family. From the emergency transport team nurses to the neurosurgeons, the Fontanettas felt they were embraced and supported. But the future looked far from bright at the time of Ellie’s birth.

Marc and Nikki Fontanetta had many hopes and dreams for their unborn baby, but at 20 weeks in utero, their baby was diagnosed with spina bifida; she had a hole in her lower back that exposed the spinal cord and central nervous system. The prognosis was serious.

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View 2011 Race Results Here

View Photos from the Event

On Saturday, June 18th, nearly 2,000 participants gathered in downtown Chicago for Children’s Memorial Hospital’s Race for the Kids 5k Run/Walk. This special event raised more than $200,000 to support the Children’s Memorial Fund, which will ensure Children’s Memorial can continue to provide children with access to the best pediatric specialists, the latest technologies and the most innovative programs.

The race was kicked off by Children’s Memorial patient, Ellie Fontanetta and her family. After the race, participants enjoyed complimentary food and beverages, music and fun activities at our Kids Corner, including face painting, magicians, Kohl’s Safety Town balloon artists and much more!

A special thank you to the top individual fundraiser!

Alexa Ressler who has raised over $5,000!

Also—a special thank you our two top fundraising teams!

Patrick’s Pacers who raised over $12,900!

And Paige's Pals who raised over $11,800!

Congratulations to our Top Finishers!

Males