Christian Hietanen

I believe that our children need real life superheroes to be their role models, and that we, as hardworking individuals, who also happen to be athletes, can fulfill that role for them. We can show them that with drive and dedication, anything is attainable.

As a practicing pediatrician, I have taken care of several patients with cancer through the years. I am always so amazed by the amount of strength and courage that these children often show in the face of so much potential fear, adversity, and uncertainty. They have taught me much about life, and how to face challenges head on.

Over the past two years, I have dedicated myself to getting into better shape so that I could conquer my own personal challenges. I have competed in several sprint duathlons and triathlons, 5 and 10 k runs, as well as a half marathon. I made a decision to push a little harder and am planning on running in the Chicago Marathon this October. But, as a pediatrician, I felt like I owed something more to these children who have taught me so much.

That's where Endure to Cure came into play. I was looking for an organization that was personally important to me given my role as a physician with an active lifestyle, and I most certainly found that in E2C and joined their Chicago Marathon Team. Your contributions will go towards their “Travel for Treatment Grant Program,” which helps those families in financial need by providing help with travel expenses. These expenses often add up very quickly, especially because more than 50% of children with cancer have to travel over 50 miles to receive their treatments. I have somewhat of a personal connection here as well, as in college I volunteered at a local Ronald McDonald House, which provided living arrangements for families from out of the area while their children were being cared for at a local hospital. Little things such as a comfortable bed and a hot meal mean a lot when you are going through what these children and families are.

Please consider reaching out and making a donation, large or small, to help those in need!