Lincoln Wallace
Sylvania, Ohio
Lincoln was born with an extremely rare gene mutation called kcnq2. The mutation comes along with epilepsy; respiratory failure and severe developmental delays. He has severe central sleep apnea, requiring him to be oxygen dependent and on a constant monitor to assess oxygen level and apneas. Lincoln is on seizure medication and is dependent on NG tube feeding for nutrition. We are currently at home with hospice services to help manage care and symptoms and are trying to navigate care as the symptoms occur. He brings life and joy to our family; brings smiles and joy to his brothers and makes our hearts full and warm. He loves to be held and sung to, loves head massages, and smiles constantly in his sleep. Although we don’t know how much time we have with him, as this diagnosis is terminal, he’s made our hearts grow with so much love. As we navigate the daily challenges that come with this disease, we also celebrate every milestone he makes, and support him in every way we can as he makes the final decision of what he’s capable of. We continue to fight the fight that Lincoln will allow but it remains day by day and we appreciate all the support.
June Brodbeck
Toledo, Ohio
June is almost 11 years old. Her birthday is June 29th, and if you know June, you know she’s the kind of kid who handles everything with a smile and gives the absolute best hugs you’ll ever receive.
Back in Kindergarten, June was diagnosed with something called KMT2B Dystonia. KMT2B is a progressive motor disease. It’s a thief. It impacts the legs, the hands, the torso, and even the ability to speak and swallow. It is what we call 'ultra-rare.' As of May 2025, there were only 277 documented cases on file globally. When you’re dealing with numbers that small, you realize how much every single person in this crowd matters for awareness.
To give you an idea of how fast things changed: in the fall of Kindergarten, June ran cross country, and by that winter, she was falling down on the playground.
Despite the challenges of this disease, June is a fighter. This past October, she competed at the World Karate Championship in the para-division. She walked away with a Bronze Medal for mobility female under age 16! When she’s not doing karate, you can usually find her swimming or riding horses. She refuses to let this diagnosis define her.
Right now, we are in a season of huge hope. The best treatment for this condition is Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS. June had her brain surgery on March 31st, and just a few weeks ago, on May 4th, she had her battery placed. We are so incredibly hopeful that this 'internal pacemaker' for her brain will bring her the relief she deserves so she can get back to doing everything she loves.
Every runner and walker here today is helping kids like June feel appreciated and seen. The saying is, “In a world where you can be anything- be kind.” Today is a beautiful testament to kindness and shows support to families with medically fragile children.