A family’s fundraiser that began in memory of a 5-year-old who died of PH has raised $120,000 for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association since 2011.The inspiration for the race began with Melinda Rummel’s daughter, Mackenzie Grubich, who died in 2009. The previous year, Mackenzie had been diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus, a heart condition that causes pulmonary hypertension. Mackenzie developed pneumonia, which required intensive care and ultimately led to her death.To honor Mackenzie’s fighting spirit, Rummel and her husband Steve created a race to in DeWitt, Michigan, to benefit PHA and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Steve Rummel has MS. Since the first year, hundreds of people have participated in the DeWitt Take a Breath for PH and Get Moving for MS race.“When I first started the event … everyone was like, ‘Are you nuts?’” Melinda Rummel said. “Racing has allowed me to meet other inspiring individuals and encourage others to get out and run, get fit and stay healthy. The DeWitt community was incredibly supportive during Mackenzie’s battle, and this event is a way to give back.”Over the years, the Rummels expanded the race to include tributes to other local children who died of PH: Madison Wegener and Mackenzie’s cousin London Lotarski.The once-small race grew into a community event with five races and an online auction. It attracted more than 400 participants touched by PH or MS from different states and countries. Among the events were races for people with various abilities, such as Mackenzie’s All Abilities ¼-Mile Run/Walk, Madison’s 5k Run/Walk and London’s Virtual Race.“I’ve met people with PH running with oxygen or MS finishing a 10k,” Melinda Rummel said. “Hearing their stories is amazing. We’ve had participants of all ages, including wheelchair and walker users. Racing is about achieving something.”This was the last year for the event because the Rummel family decided to move out of the DeWitt area.“We’re going to miss it next year,” Melinda Rummel said. “I will miss sharing those first-time achievements with someone who was just diagnosed with PH or MS. It will always have a place in my heart.”What truly made the event special was the community Melinda Rummel built along the way. She wanted patients and families to know that they weren’t alone. “We’ll walk around town wearing a race shirt or race director hat, and people will stop me to say hi. I might not necessarily know them, but they know me from the race.”Melinda Rummel said the event was unique because it provided food and opportunities to connect after the race. “We were bringing people together to share stories about multiple sclerosis or pulmonary hypertension.”Become a torchbearer in the fight against PH. Support PHA through a fundraising event in your area or start a community fundraiser. Every donation brings us closer to a cure.