After the unexplained death of their young son, Malcolm, local family harnesses grief into action to raise money for the SUDC Foundation. Miles for Malcolm will celebrate the brief but impactful life of Malcolm Wildszewski, who attended Pennington Montessori School, where the race will begin and where he left a lasting mark on the lives he touched.
Hundreds of runners and walkers are expected to join together for the first annual Miles for Malcolm Walk/Run on April 23, 2022 at Pennington Montessori (4 Tree Farm Road), in Hopewell, N.J. Hosted by Tara and Kim Wildszewski, Malcolm’s parents, the event will offer the choice of a 5k or 5-mile route, a kids’ fun run, and other activities for children.
Race day will begin at 8am on April 23rd. At 9am, kids (10 and under) are invited to a fun run around the parking lot. At 9:30 walkers, joggers, shufflers, stroller pushers, and runners are welcome to join for the 5k or 5-mile routes.
Registration is $35 (no registration for the fun run) and trophies will be awarded. Proceeds will benefit the SUDC Foundation’s mission to promote awareness, advocate for research, and support those affected by sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC).
In May of 2020 the Wildszewskis’ world fell apart. On Mother’s Day, Malcolm had a slight cold and low-grade fever. Nothing out of the ordinary. But by the next morning the once thriving, strong, acrobatic 2-year-old couldn’t stand. Later that day, hours into an ER stay, he seized unexpectedly. On Tuesday, he was removed from life support and their lives were shattered.
Malcolm loved to dance, loved to run, loved to be pushed in the stroller by one of his moms running while he chanted: “go Mama go! go Mommy go!” Every morning when he got to school, his mother Kim remembers that Malcolm would stop at each classroom doorway and wait for the teacher to greet him. He was personable and generous with his joy. “He would tell a joke or want to join into the laughter that was happening around him, and then bend over, clutching his stomach and fake laugh. It was amazing and hilarious to watch,” she added.
Pennington Montessori was one of Malcolm’s favorite places. In addition to their ongoing support, the school has offered the use of the school grounds to start and end the run/walk in Malcolm’s honor. Kathleen Hannah, School Director said, “Pennington Montessori school is honored to host Miles for Malcolm. We wouldn’t think of having this event anywhere else. Everyone loved and misses Malcolm and his sweet spirit. His joyful nature lives on within the school. We are blessed to have the entire Wildszewski family as part of our school community.”
Tara and Kim are hoping all runners, walkers, and cheerers in the community will come out to raise money and awareness for this important cause that gets very little attention. For more information, please visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Pennington/MilesforMalcolm2022
