By Jacob Mathias

A sea of white t-shirts and clean faces were soon stained Saturday morning as the Kolor for Kids FunFest runners sprinted through five kilometers of brightly colored corn starch to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

The Kolor for Kids 5K color run began at 9:00 AM Saturday morning in an effort to raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. This is the fourth Kolor for Kids event and has already raised over $12,000 this year. All money raised will benefit the local Children’s Miracle Network hospital, Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wis. Proceeds will support medical equipment, child life specialists and patient specific grants.

Prior to the race, doves were released by Lindsey Krueger, this year’s Miracle Child, and her little sister Lauren.

“The doves are in remembrance of those who could not be with us today and it’s a celebration of life for those who are here as well,” said Amanda Vandehay, foundation development specialist at the Foundation of Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Lindsey Krueger (right) and her father Duane and sister lauren. (City Times Photo)

Lindsey received treatment from the CMN after suffering from head trauma caused by falling from a tree.

“I was climbing a tree and I was about 20 feet up. The branch broke and I fell. I hit my head on a rock,” said Lindsey. “I had a brain bleed and a skull fracture.”

She said she won’t be climbing any more trees, but her father Duane Krueger said he doubted that.

Duane Krueger said the CMN not only treated Lindsey, but also helped her younger sister Lauren cope with her sister’s injury.

The race runners took off at 10:00 AM with the walkers following right after.

A grand finale of color throws ended the day in a plume of rainbow powder. The color run events have become increasingly popular fundraising events. Vandehay said that the color runs have been extremely successful since the CMN began using them for fundraising.

“It’s a great time for all ages. Everyone has as blast and it’s for a good cause so it’s a way for people to come have fun and support something they care about,” said Vandehay.

Wisconsin has two other CMN hospitals including Gunderson Hospital in Lacrosse and Milwaukee Children’s Hospital.

For more information on Kolor for Kids and Children’s Miracle Network, click www.kolorforkids.com.