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PHOENIX, Ariz. (KSAZ) - In about a week, people will be taking to the streets of Downtown Phoenix for the second annual Phoenix Children's Hospital 5k run.
Of the people who will take part in the run, one of them has close connections to the hospital, and was even once told she would never walk again, because of a medical condition.
"There's no stopping me," said Erin Bratton. She spent time at PCH, in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), after being born six weeks premature.
When she was four years old, Bratton had to come back.
"There was a golf ball-sized brain tumor, lit up like a Christmas tree," Bratton recounted. "You normally find that type of tumor in adults."
After surgically removing the tumor, Bratton was paralyzed on the right side, and couldn't talk. Doctors told her she would not walk again.
Fast forward years later, however, Bratton will running the PCH 5k run next weekend.
"I do it for the kids that can't run. The kids that aren't able to do the things that I can do," said Bratton. "I was told I wasn't able to walk again, I wouldn't be able to speak again, and I'm very thankful for that."
Bratton has volunteered at the hospital for 10 years, and even holds a position now with guest services. She was determined, even at a young age, to push the limits and persevere. Aside from raising money for a great cause, she hopes to boost the spirits of the kids in the hospital as she once was.
"I don't take it for granted," said Bratton. "I know a lot of people look up to me, but I also look up to them as well because they're still fighting. They're still up on the floors, and they need to know that people look up to them too."
Bratton runs other races as well, and all the medals she gets, she gives to kids in the hospital. All proceeds from the race go directly to the hospital, and there's still time to sign up.
Phoenix Children's Hospital 5k
www.pch5k.org