Less than one month until the Twin Cities 10 mile! Several of our Team CSI runners stopped by the office yesterday to collect their running shirts and some fun swag items. Special thanks to 4imprint (water bottles), Rawr Organics (protein bars) and Knockaround Sunglasses (sport sunglasses) for supporting our team runners through their generous in-kind donations!
#nonprofit #pediatricsurgery #globalhealth #cleftstrong #charitypartner #tc10mile #running #twincitiesrunning #minneapolis #stpaul #twincities
Meet Kelly and Brian Gill — they’re lacing up for the TC 10 Mile on October 6th as part of Team CSI! Their goal? To not just cross the finish line, but to raise awareness and funds for CSI.
The Gills' involvement with CSI began when their son, Hudson, was born with a bilateral cleft lip, which was skillfully repaired shortly after birth by Dr. Jim Sidman, one of CSI’s founding directors and longtime volunteer. Dr. Sidman’s incredible dedication to changing children’s lives and educating medical professionals around the world inspired Kelly and Brian to become CSI supporters themselves.
As they train for their big race, Kelly and Brian reflect, “it was Hudson’s curiosity about how many children are born with cleft lips that led us to find out the shocking number. Over four million people are living with an unrepaired cleft lip! We want to show Hudson and our other kids that we can make a difference by supporting CSI. Running the 10 Mile is our way of giving back and helping others find their second smile.”
On race day, Hudson will be leading the cheer squad, flanked by his two younger brothers and grandparents, all rooting for Mom and Dad. And Hudson? He's convinced his dad is going to take first place! But no matter the outcome, one thing’s for sure: it’s a victory for the patients, families, and communities that CSI serves.
A huge thank you to Kelly and Brian, and to the entire Team CSI! Your steps are making a world of difference.
#tc10mile #runners #nonprofit #cleftstrong #pediatricsurgery #changinglives
It was a full house today at CSI! In addition to our three staff and office volunteer, Sue, we had 3 docs and 2 dogs! On their off days, Dr. Woubeshet came to sort cardiology supplies for Ethiopia; Dr. Resch and Dr. Wood are bringing supplies and paperwork for upcoming trips to The Gambia and Liberia; and the pups are providing bonus love and snuggles!
“We were very shameful about the baby's cleft before surgery, now we are proud and we feel very happy about the surgery. We would like to thank you very much.” Parent, Ethiopia