Running for MiracleFeet

Hi - I'm Livia.

One in 800 babies is born with the most common birth defect - talipes equinovarus, also known as clubfoot. And guess what -- I'm one of them!

Fast forward almost three decades, 12 surgeries, and a childhood spent in 23/7 braces later, I do more than stand on my own two feet. I dance, I boulder, I bike, I hike, I swim. I live.

In celebrating my own club foot journey and my now more or less functioning body, I have decided to push my limits and see just how far my feet will take me. I’ve signed up for the Berlin Half-Marathon taking place on April 2nd, 2023, and starting to train for the event immediately.

This half marathon is the perfect opportunity to spread awareness about the importance of treating club feet. Whilst I was born in a developed country and into a wonderful family that could afford my treatments, the harsh reality is that 4 out of 5 kids born with clubfeet are not as fortunate and do not receive the necessary medical attention. The consequences of not treating club feet are horrendous - a lifetime of severe impairment and disability, enduring stigma and discrimination, in addition to drastic economic consequences.

This is where I'd like to introduce you to MiracleFeet. MiracleFeet is a fantastic charity that provides life-altering treatment for kids with clubfeet in low- and middle-income countries through partnerships with local healthcare providers.

Its costs approximately $500 for the average club foot to be treated with the Ponseti Method. A seemingly small price for the high potential of a life free of physical burden. 70 000 club foot patients have already been treated across 30 countries and with your help, many more to come.

Over the next months, I will be sharing my training journey on Instagram (@ohlalaitslivia) and in Clubfoot support groups on Facebook. I urge you to come along for the ride/run, support this incredibly impactful cause and invite you to donate whatever amount your budget allows.

I sincerely thank you.

- Livia