As Miracles Babies gears up for its 7th annual 5K, they are also reminding all that it is not too late to participate. Slated for May 3, with an Embarcadero Marina Park South backdrop, the location beckons runners, walkers and those who adore the outdoors to take part on this special day.
Founders of Miracle Babies are Rancho Santa Fe residents Dr. Sean and Marjan Daneshmand. The couple describes this 5K as an annual signature event for Miracle Babies. Co-founder and board member Marjan Daneshmand shared that 7 years ago it raised $30,000 with 700 attendees. Last year, it had more than 2,000 participants and reached more than $100,000.
“Each year, the walk gets bigger and better. It’s not only a walk, but it’s a run/walk and celebration of life,” she said.
According to Daneshmand, the run begins at 8 am, the walk at 9 a.m., and then a diaper dash for the tots at 10:30 a.m.
Emceeing the event is channel 8 news anchor Marcela Lee.
She also wants everyone to know that there are many activities for the kids such as jumpies, face painting, and more.
“This year, the theme is ‘Superheroes,’ to celebrate all of the superheroes that help bringing the ‘Miracle Babies’ into this world. Families show up with their babies in strollers and there are many superhero themed teams,” she said.
Daneshmand said this year her team is called the “Mighty Miracles.” In her team are about 50 participants with a goal to raise $10,000.
Every year, this event is punctuated by awareness and hope.
“The mission of Miracle Babies it to provide support and financial assistance to families with critically ill newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit; and, to enhance the well-being of women, children, and their families through education, prevention and medical care,” she said. Daneshmand continued, “The walk helps bring awareness to this cause as many families come with their Miracle Babies to support the cause.”
Daneshmand shared that they currently have about 501 registered fundraising pages and a total of 75 teams. Interestingly, each team consists of both actual and virtual walkers.
Another facet of this event is to create a fun family environment and encourage all to wear superhero related team costumes to boost awareness.
In addition to the walk and run, also on hand will be a galore of food, entertainment and about 50 children-related vendors on site. And for those who want to tie up their laces and get some exercise, Daneshmand said it’s not too late to register.
“Please join us to support this wonderful cause. People can make a donation in honor of a Miracle Baby in their family,” she said. “This event is to help celebrate life of all these Miracle Babies and we look forward to seeing everyone.”
For more information visit miraclebabies.org or call (858) 633-8540.
