Miles for Miracles 5K

Welcome! We are Kayla Kelley and Elle Shimmell, students at the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies, and the organizers of the Miles for Miracles 5K run created as part of our Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) graduation requirement. This event is dedicated to raising funds for Corewell Health Children’s and honoring the patients, families, and medical professionals who provide compassionate care to children in our community. Inspired by our own medical experiences and the stories of those close to us, this project is deeply meaningful. Our hope is to bring people together to support a cause that impacts so many lives. Whether you choose to run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps build a stronger and more caring community.

Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of pediatric patients by raising funds for children's hospitals across North America. Each year, 170 partner hospitals provide the finest medical care, life- saving research and preventative education to help over 32 million kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. Corewell Health Children's has been the only CMN affiliated hospital in Southeast Michigan since 1988. For our fundraiser, 100% of proceeds will stay local to help kids who are treated at Corewell Health Children's.

Funds help to support:

• Child Life Services: Specialists who reduce stress and fear for hospitalized children through therapy and support.
• Giraffe Incubators: State-of-the-art incubators protecting premature infants in the NICU.
• Pediatric Rehabilitation Bike Day: Customized bikes that aid physical therapy and inclusion for kids. 
• Student Heart Check Program: Free cardiac screenings for student athletes to detect hidden heart issues.