Walk for Amazing event benefiting Children's Minnesota goes virtual amid the pandemic

Walk for Amazing, a large fundraiser for Children's Minnesota, is going virtual due to the pandemic.

"It's an event that everyone can participate in that is very much a celebration of individuals and families and community," said Jennifer Soderholm, president of the Children's Minnesota Foundation.

The walk brought in more than $320,000 last year and is a critical fundraiser that supports many hospital services for kids and families.

This year's Walk for Amazing was originally scheduled for May 30 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Coordinators have decided to make it a month-long virtual event, hosting daily challenges and activities that are free for families.

"Even with this year being virtual, we want as many people who have been touched by Children's Minnesota to join with us this month in lifting up the great work that happens here, the great families who we are so fortunate to take care of and the care providers, the teams that really make a difference to families," Soderholm said.

Children's Minnesota said they care for more than 135,000 patients per year, with more than 467,000 outpatient clinic visits as well.

The Keller family from Savage said it is a cause close to their hearts.

Marshall Savage, now a healthy 4-year-old, weighed just 1 pound, 7 ounces when he was born.

"My water broke and, on our way to the hospital, a car ran a red light and struck our car," Marshall's mother Misty Keller said. "Two days later, Marshall was born at 23 weeks and 4 days."

Marshall spent 138 days in the NICU at Children's Minnesota.

"He was very tiny, very small. His lungs didn't have a chance to develop so he actually wasn't breathing when he was born," Misty said. "If we weren't at that facility at that time, things would look very different, so we are grateful and thankful every day."

The Kellers participate in the Walk for Amazing every year and hope people will continue to donate, even though this year's event is virtual.

"We can't thank Children's and the doctors and nurses for all that they did for us personally, not to mention the health and well-being of our son," said Jeff Keller.

Misty added, "It was really great to have people by your side with you every step of the way. The nurses and doctors and staff treated Marshall like he was one of their own."

For more information on Walk for Amazing or to donate to the cause, click here.