Atlanta, GA – “An overwhelming presence of love” is how Kim Baker described the ‘Fun Run’ hosted by Atlanta Challenge clubs on September 28 to raise money for her daughter Erica.

"We just sat down on the couch, looked at each other, and just said, ‘Wow!’ We can’t believe the turn out; it was incredible, and Erica had the best time! It was so heartwarming to see her with such joy on her face. ‘Thank you’ seems like such little words that don’t begin to describe how we feel. We are just so moved and touched. I just keep crying.”

Erica, the youngest of the Bakers’ 6 children, is 5 years old and suffers from mitochondrial disease. Mitochondrial disease is an incurable condition requiring a great deal of medical attention, much of which is not covered by insurance. Knowing this, several area Challenge teams pulled together to organize a 5K run, along with a bake sale and face-painting, with the goal of raising enough money for a new bed for Erica.

“It was so awesome because of all the wonderful families, and of course our awesome Challenge girls,” said Kim Baker. “The Challenge girls worked so hard and shared such love and sacrifice for us. I am so proud of them all."

Over 250 participants showed up to run for Erica at Creekstone Estates on an overcast, windy day. The weather didn’t dampen the spirits of runners of all ages, including one teenage boy who ran the entire 5K on crutches! The event brought generosity pouring in from all sides; one girl who lives in Creekstone ran out to give Erica a hug and $5 of her allowance.

The goal of the event was to raise $12,000 for Erica’s bed; to date, it has raised over $17,000, along with many prayers for Erica and her family!