Since 1997, Scottish Rite for Children has been the primary beneficiary of the BMW Dallas Marathon. In December, spectators will line the streets and neighborhoods of Dallas to cheer on participants including the Molnar family. "Because of the long-standing relationship and support from the BMW Dallas Marathon, Scottish Rite for Children can continue to provide life-changing, expert care to children with pediatric orthopedic conditions and help give kids back their childhood,” said Robert L. Walker, President/CEO of Scottish Rite for Children. 

The Molnar family is thankful for the support and care their daughter receives at Scottish Rite. Last year, Olivia competed in marathon events while serving as a BMW Dallas Marathon patient champion. She plans to compete again this year along with her mom, Karen, and her dad, Jacob.    

Why are you participating in the marathon?  
Jacob: I started running marathons about 10 years ago. At that time, our family lived in the Chicagoland area, and our daughter Olivia was involved with a nonprofit organization called Opportunity Enterprises. Opportunity Enterprises was a participating charity for the Chicago Marathon. Since my first Chicago Marathon 10 years ago, I’ve done 20 marathons and 20 half marathons.

Olivia has cerebral palsy and received therapy and other services from this wonderful organization. That was my first marathon, and it brought into my life a community of runners that have supported one another through this journey and have become lifelong friends to our family.

Karen: I am running because I am a glutton for punishment. I say that jokingly, but in all seriousness, Scottish Rite has given so much to Olivia that it is now time for us to give back, and it is my chance to do my part. 

What does Scottish Rite for Children mean to you? 
Jacob: Scottish Rite for Children has been a lifesaver for our family. Moving from the Chicagoland area to Dallas, we did not have a team of doctors or a support system in place for our daughter. Scottish Rite has brought a team of first-class support and doctors that help us feel comfortable, knowing that our daughter is receiving the best treatment possible. Scottish Rite also has experts that have helped Olivia along her own athletic endeavors.

Karen: It means the health of my daughter. When I think of Scottish Rite, I can’t help but think of all the different ways that this organization has helped her.

Have you always been a runner?  
Jacob: No, I have not always been a runner. I have worked really hard to see that finish line. Running, however, has brought a lot to my life — great friends, the satisfaction of accomplishing my goals and a desire to push myself to be better than I was yesterday.

Karen: Maybe? I have run in five different marathons, several half marathons and countless 5K and 10K races. I run slower than a turtle in peanut butter, but I do it!

How do you feel when you run?  
Jacob: Accomplished. You often see those cartoon captions where the runner is running, and it says,
Mile 1: “I am so pumped! I am going to do this!”
Mile 10: “I am getting tired, but I trained hard, and I am going to do this.”
Mile 18: “I can’t do this. I am in so much pain. What was I thinking? I will never do this again.”
Mile 25: “One more mile — I can’t wait to do this again.”

That is always what comes into my mind as I run a race, especially a long-distance race. I love the mental challenge and the sense of accomplishment you get when you finish the challenge.

Karen: I am not sure that is a good question for me. I might complain along the way. I may think about what I am going to eat afterward. But, I always feel accomplished when I finish.

Learn more about registering for the BMW Dallas Marathon and how to support runners like the Molnar Family.