As an American, you’re probably not worried about you or your child dying from diarrhea. Chug some pink stuff for yourself or put Pedia-Lyte in your kid’s sippy cup, right? No big deal.

For many mothers and fathers all over the world, however, diarrhea IS a big deal. So much so that thousands of children lose their lives every day from it.

In fact, 21,000 children die EVERY DAY from entirely preventable or treatable illnesses, including the Big 6 Baby Killers: diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, measles, HIV/AIDS and malnutrition.

Yet it doesn’t have to be this way. Compassion International, the world’s largest child sponsorship organization, works in 26 countries to reverse the vicious cycle of poverty and suffering. Their Child Survival Program (CSP) helps developing-world mothers and babies in their most vulnerable times, offering practical care and extending God’s love. By running or walking this fundraising race with us, you’re giving them the best chance at life.

So if you’re in the Salem, Oregon area, join us in a 5k/10k race on June 16, 2012 at Minto-Brown Park. Lace up your athletic shoes and run for the babies. Run for Compassion.

Statistics courtesy of Compassion International.