DENVER, Colo. (Nov. 2, 2017) – Elite runner Alyana (Lanie) Szuch is eagerly anticipating the 14th annual Great Candy Run Denver 5K in Washington Park. Last year, at the age of 12, Lanie finished second overall in the Run, Colorado’s largest timed 5K. The Great Candy Run is also special to Lanie because it supports the Fetal Health Foundation (FHF).
Lanie’s mom, Caroline Szuch, suffered a placenta abruption during her second trimester. Seemingly healthy at birth, Lanie has had to overcome numerous medical challenges on her way to becoming a champion athlete, including surgery as a newborn and again around age eight.
Lanie’s indomitable spirit helped her overcome these challenges and become a top athlete, dominating women’s running events at the Go Pro Mountain Games as a pre-teen. “She’s such an inspiration,” said FHF founder Lonnie Somers. “Her accomplishments show that children can overcome serious medical conditions and achieve great things.”
Caroline advises parents to “Be your own advocate. Don’t give up if you are told there aren’t options. Keep searching until you find organizations like the Fetal Health Foundation that can direct you to the best medical solutions.”