The 5K-Donte’s Way

July/August E-Newsletter» The 5K - Donte's Way

Donte Lindsay is an amazing 17 year old young man who spent more than 3.5 months at Franciscan Hospital for Children, being treated for Cerebral Palsy, left sided weakness and chronic pain issues.  Donte has made amazing strides, progressing from wheelchair bound to finishing the Franciscan Hospital for Children 5K on June 9.  We wanted to know what motivated him to take on this challenge.

Question: What made you decide to do the New Balance Heartbreak Hill 5k?

Answer: It was simple, I just wanted to help out in any way I could with the hospital and the children knowing that one runner could change a life.

Question: Tell me about your preparation for the 5K.

Answer: My experience in preparing for the 5k was simple. It was never give up! I stepped up on my physical therapy by doing crunches, obstacle courses, and walking. I pushed past my limits to get to the point where I could start running and doing squats. On my own time, I did an exercise circuit which included: crunches, bridges and leg calisthenics using an exercise band. Then, I tried to cut down on the amount of sweets I ate. I started having carnation instant breakfast, and eating a lot of eggs and making smart choices for the next couple of weeks.

Question: What kept you motivated to train?

Answer: Determination and the children that the run was for. Experiences that I had while I was at Franciscan Hospital for Children helped me motivate myself and push harder. I have a big heart. I kept seeing babies come in that were sick and saw the kids at the medical daycare and day school. I knew that after I did the race it would raise more money and help them get better.

Question: What was your favorite part of the training?

Answer:My favorite part of training was the workout I got from my exercise circuit.  I did it three times a day: morning, afternoon, & before I went to bed.

Question: Tell me about the big day of the race.

Answer: The day of the race was exciting! I got up at 5:00 am, worked out, had a carnation instant breakfast and went to the race. I knew that the race wasn’t a milestone for me, but it was one for the children at ‘the Fran’, and everybody that has fallen. To me, it was saying to get back up and keep on moving! I know it is easier said than done. Thing is, it can be done! No matter how long it takes… it can be done!

Question: Who was at the race to support you?

Answer: There were many people there to support me: my family, my team of doctors, nurses, therapists and most of all my team, Captain SOAP.

Question: Explain the mood of the race while you were running and walking along?

It was exciting and enjoyable! The day was hot and it was crowded with all of the runners there. It was noisy while we were running because we had an ambulance following playing music on the loud speaker. It was fun listening to pop music and it helped me pass the time and get to my goals faster.

Question: What did it feel like crossing the finish line?

Answer: It felt tiring until I saw the crowd cheer for me and my family as I ran towards the finish line. It just felt great knowing I can help out the Franciscan Hospital for Children and all of the children and babies this year.

Question: What is the most memorable moment of the New Balance Heartbreak Hill 5k?

Answer: The most memorable moment was getting to the first mile marker. I was proud of myself.

Question: Will you do the race again next year?

Answer: Yes, I will. I loved it!