Miles Of Giving: Bob Brown Creates A Winning Tradition

During the fall of 1991 Bob Brown had his first brush with Children’s Wisconsin. It wasn't in the halls of our NICU, our emergency department, or even in our nationally renowned cardiac care center. But rather, in an Illinois newspaper's sports section.

The story featured Al's Run, the hospital's longstanding fundraiser founded in 1977 by the legendary college basketball coach Al McGuire. As a lifelong college basketball fan and runner, Bob took notice and his interest was officially piqued. A year later, a new registrant was running the scenic lakefront course. Little did Bob know how infectious the race-day energy would be.

This year will be Bob's 20th year running "barefoot through the grass"* at Briggs & Al's Run & Walk for Children’s Wisconsin. Even as life took him from living nearby in Illinois to distant places such as Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, St. Louis and now Connecticut, Bob continues his annual pilgrimage.

According to Bob, "At the starting line, as you begin running among thousands of supporters, one of the best feelings in the world is to look back for a moment. You see the masses and the Children's Champions and their families and you realize the meaning behind it all."

Over the years, as he learned more about Children’s Wisconsin and the work accomplished, supporting Children's in another way became the right thing to do.

In January 2001, Al McGuire passed away. That year's race proved to be an especially moving experience for Bob. Not only did it commemorate a coach who gave so much of himself to the betterment of his community, but the race was held directly following 9/11. The country was in a reflective state, and Bob vocalized his interest in planned giving: "If it's in your heart, why not show it?"

Bob does not have children of his own and chose to bequeath a portion of his estate to Children's, ensuring kids will continue as champions in their fight against disease. Over the years, he's met many friends at the run and looks forward to catching up with them this year and running the course with his nephew. Together they'll be pounding the pavement for those who are unable to do so themselves.