Cincinnati 'Walks for Kids' at Coney Island

CINCINNATI - The 2012 Cincinnati Walks for Kids was held Saturday at Coney Island.

Cincinnati Walks for Kids is a fundraising walk benefiting Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

An estimated 7,000 people took place in Saturday's event.

“This is the seventh year for the walk, and each year gets better and better,” the walk coordinator, Christina Mihalek, said before the walk. “You always hear inspiring stories from the patients and families of Cincinnati Children’s, and it’s moving to see how the care the medical center has provided unites them. Cincinnati has such a strong community spirit, and that is truly shown at 'Cincinnati Walks for Kids.”

One of the inspiring voices came from one of the young recipients of Children's Hospital's outstanding care, Lily Meagher. Meagher and her family are "so thankful for Children's and the staff that have helped save her life, as they have for thousands of kids battling all sorts of illness."

Meagher, who is now nearly 4 years old, has been under the care of University Hospital health care professionals for most of the past two years she's been battling brain cancer.

There was no registration fee for the one- or three-mile walk, but all participants were asked to raise at least $25 for the charity. All walkers raising $25 or more received Cincinnati Walks for Kids T-shirt. Additional individual and team prizes were earned for further fundraising.

Since its inaugural event seven years ago, the walk has raised nearly $4 million for the hospital.

In addition to the walk, the day was full of family-friendly events. Throughout the day, participants were able to enjoy a festive atmosphere where children could create a “helping hands” wreath, ride five classic Coney Island rides and have their faces painted.

Families were also invited to visit the Remembrance Garden, a serene setting where participants could honor loved ones.

The day began with an opening ceremony to honor the patients, families and caregivers of the medical center and thank the community for its commitment to Cincinnati Children’s. 

All of the proceeds from the event will go toward Children’s Hospital. Children’s Hospital operates as a nonprofit organization, and relies on such efforts to raise funds for its research efforts and patient services.   

Nationally respected Children’s Hospital Medical Center was ranked third best children's hospital by U.S. News and World Report in its 2012 Best Children’s Hospital report .

For more information about Cincinnati Walks for Kids, please visit www.cincinnatichildrens.org/walk or call 513-636-2941 .