"Be the healthiest in the nation:" More than $1M raised at 38th Annual Briggs & Al's Run & Walk

MILWAUKEE -- Thousands laced up their gym shoes and ran or walked around Milwaukee this morning all in the name of kids. It was the 38th Annual Briggs & Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

On Saturday morning, September 19th it was all about the kids.

"They do really make it a special day for all the kids," said Mandy Fiehweg, Children's Hospital supporter.

The run/walk and party is a chance for them to put their illnesses behind and just be a kid for the day.

"We enjoy doing it, this is a fun event too," said Matt Boswell, Kids are Children Champions.

Two of Matt Boswell's children had major surgeries and spent lots of time recovering at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

"It's very important that we have such a great facility here in Wisconsin in our backyard that we actually have the care that we need for our children. My two children wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Children's Hospital, so it means a lot to us," said Boswell.

Ryan and Clare are two of the 600 Children's Champions who are well enough to participate at this year's event.

"Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's vision is to have Wisconsin's kids be the healthiest in the nation," said Meg Nelson, President of Children's Hospital Foundation.

Joining in on the fun is Molly's Miracle, a team of 38 friends and family supporting Mandy Fiehweg's daughters, who relied on Children's Hospital for life-saving treatments.

"It's great being with family, it's great having all these people here together showing their support for a cause that's so near and dear to our hearts," said Fiehweg.

 

As so many walk, each step is a reminder of the care and support Children's Hospital provides for our Wisconsin kids.

More than 16,000 participated in Saturday's run/walk and raised over one million dollars.

The Briggs and Al's Run & Walk has raised more than $15 million since 1978.