Children’s hospital CEO racing Leadville 100 aims to raise $100,000
Lou Fragoso is dedicating each mile in the 100-mile race to a specific child from his New Orleans hospital
courtesy of Lou Fragoso
On Aug. 16, Lou Fragoso, president and CEO of Manning Family Children’s, a children’s hospital in New Orleans, will line up for the Leadville Trail 100 Run, the legendary 100-mile ultra through the Colorado Rockies. While the high altitude, technical trails and relentless climbs make the race one of the most punishing ultras in the country, Fragoso will be connecting the effort to something far bigger. Each mile will be dedicated to a different patient at Manning, turning the run into a powerful tribute to the children and families his hospital serves.
100 miles, 100 kids, 1 mission
Fragoso is dedicating each mile of the race to a different patient from Manning Family Children’s. The effort is part of a new campaign: 100 Miles. 100 Kids. 1 Mission. As he climbs mountains and battles altitude, he’ll be thinking of the kids he sees every day, many of whom are fighting uphill battles of their own.
“This is all about the amazing kids cared for at Manning Family Children’s,” Fragoso says. “I am dedicating this run to them. To honor their fight, their courage, to share their stories, to raise awareness, and to remind us that true endurance is not measured in miles, but in heart.”
Running toward the real challenges
Manning Family Children’s is Louisiana’s only freestanding, comprehensive children’s hospital. “For 70 years Manning Family Children’s has been running toward the problems that impact our kids,” says Fragoso. “Delivering expert care for every child, every time, regardless of ability to pay.”
Through the 100 Miles. 100 Kids. 1 Mission. campaign, supporters can “match a mile” with a $1,000 donation or by raising that amount through peer-to-peer fundraising. Fragoso hopes to bring in more than $100,000 by race day.
Fighting for every step
“Every day, our patients at Manning Family Children’s face their own mountains,” he says. “Battling cancer, sickle cell disease, undergoing bone marrow transplants, healing from trauma, learning to walk again after devastating injuries, recovering from complex heart surgery. Our kids fight every day. But their races don’t come with medals or finish lines. They come with hospital beds, IV poles, therapy … and an unshakable will to keep going.” Fragoso’s own miles will be run in honour of that resilience.
Leadville 100 2025 kicks off on Aug. 16 at 6:00 a.m. ET. learn more about the 100 miles. 100 kids. 1 mission. movement, or to get involved, click here.
