Kaylee’s Decades of Dedication

Kaylee Wallace just completed her second Boston Marathon for Boston Children’s. But her fundraising journey began almost 20 years ago.

An inspired idea 

When she was in first grade, Kaylee’s teacher read her class a story about a woman who planted lupines in her neighborhood “to make the world more beautiful." The teacher then asked the class how they would each give back to their own communities.

Kaylee wasted no time wondering. She set up a lemonade stand that summer to raise money for kids at Boston Children’s Hospital. Little did she know, this school project would turn into a years-long adventure. Kaylee spent five summers selling lemonade, and after that, she held annual bowling events. All in all, she was able to raise an incredible $20,000 for the hospital through these events.

A powerful partnership

Now 28, Kaylee just completed her second Boston Marathon for Boston Children’s. She runs to support the entire team at the hospital, but she’s especially motivated by her patient partner, Grace. Grace and Kaylee were paired through the Miles for Miracles program and now share a special friendship. The two bond over their mutual love of lemonade, ice cream and dogs. Grace received treatment for a bacterial meningitis infection at Boston Children’s when she was 18 months old. Here, she was diagnosed with a congenital condition that makes it hard for her body to fight off infections. Grace is resilient in the face of her challenges—she’s a smart, curious and kind third grader. Kaylee feels honored to run for her.