In 2008, my Team Virtus teammate Robby Brown and his wife Sarah tragically lost their daughter Ava to SIDS at 8 weeks old.  April 14 will mark the third annual Ava Brown Memorial 5K, held in honor and memory of Ava.  Proceeds will go to First Candle, a nonprofit agency dedicated to safe pregnancies and the survival of infants through the first years of life.

While I don’t know Robby well and have never met Sarah, as a parent I can only imagine the pain of losing a child.  Though I can’t be in Jefferson City for the race, I can be there virtually by making a donation in Ava’s memory.  I know that I have some Missouri readers and friends, so if you live in the area, look into participating in the race.  There will be both a 5K run/walk and a non-competitive, non-timed fun run for kids.  If you aren’t able to go, please consider donating to First Candle. 

And either way, hug your kids and remember how very lucky you are to have them.