“The reason why we did this marathon was to (help raise) funds to support children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida and other neurological conditions at CURE Uganda,” said Dr. Stewart Wamukangu, Chairperson of the organizing committee for the Eastern Marathon for Vulnerable Children.
“When I saw the posters to help these vulnerable children, (I thought) why can’t I run and help them?” said Savior Otingcwiny, a 29 year old from Mbale. He won CURE Uganda’s first Eastern Marathon for Vulnerable Children.
“If they made it short like this, I knew I would win,” said Savior about the length of the course.
The run to benefit CURE was set up as a 10K. Savior was followed by Francis Ocira—who finished second—and Otingcwiny’s training partner Ivan Bogere, who finished third. The organizing committee estimated there were between 260 and 300 runners and walkers who participated.
After the marathon finished, the participants met under several tents to listen to local government leaders, staff members of CURE, and patients who have benefited from CURE Uganda’s services.
Jacquline Nandudu, the mother of a former patient at CURE, gave a short testimony.
“If it was not for CURE, I would not be standing here with Mark,” said Nandudu. When Nandudu’s son Mark was only four days old, he had surgery at CURE Uganda to treat his spina bifida. He is now 8 years old and in second grade. Following Nandudu’s speech was Mbale District Woman Member of Parliament, Nakayenze Conny Galiwango. She praised the great impact of the hospital and also promised to partner with Mark to ensure he gets a good education.
The Eastern Marathon for Vulnerable Children was held on Saturday, May 6. Runners contributed 10,000 Uganda shillings (approximately $3 USD) as a registration fee for the run. Local businesses, politicians, and other members of the community all donated money to support patient care at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda and its mission of healing the sick and proclaiming the kingdom of God.
“It was a tremendous success… I’m very proud of the organizing committee and our staff. I think this will become an annual tradition for the hospital,” said Tim Erickson, Executive Director of CURE Uganda.
About the CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda
CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda has been a place of hope since opening its doors in 2001. It is one of Africa’s leading pediatric hospitals for brain surgery and the treatment of neurological conditions. Our teaching hospital has an 18-bed Intensive Care Unit and 59 ward beds, three operating rooms, and an outpatient clinic. In addition to world-class medical care, our team ministers to the emotional and spiritual needs of our patients and their communities.
