Earlywine's Helms Named an OKC Memorial Kids Marathon Youth Ambassador

This year marked the first time Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health served as the presenting sponsor of the Kids Run at the OKC Memorial Marathon, and Earlywine Elementary 5th grader Ross Helms was selected as one of their inaugural Race Ambassadors. In this role, he and his family were asked to share his story and encourage other children and families to participate in the 2026 Kids Marathon.

Sara Helms, Ross's mother, said he has been a patient at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health since birth, and said his journey there has created a strong connection with their medical team. This connection, along with Ross's continued work with the hospital and his resilience over the years, is why he was nominated for the ambassador role. Sara said that because of his early and complex medical journey, Ross approaches physical activity at his own pace and being active represents progress and perseverance for him.

Sara said Ross enjoys being active and especially loved preparing for the Kids Marathon alongside other students from Earlywine Elementary. In fact, Earlywine was named an OKC Memorial Kids Marathon Registered School after being nominated by PE Teacher Matt Davis. They held a pep rally in March, with representatives from the Kids Marathon and Oklahoma Children's OU Health in attendance. 

I want to help other kids feel strong and brave like the hospital helped me.

 - Ross Helms, 5th Grade, Earlywine Elementary

Sara said that for Ross, completing the race as an ambassador was something he was very proud to do, especially knowing how far he had come since his early days in the NICU. He was honored to represent both the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health and Earlywine Elementary through this experience.

Through the years-long relationship and Ross's involvement in past hospital campaigns, he was invited to serve as a Race Ambassador alongside another youth ambassador.

"Ross has participated in hospital outreach opportunities, including serving as a junior reporter and sharing encouraging stories with other families. Being selected as an ambassador felt like a meaningful reflection of how far he has come," said Sara.

Sara said that Ross knows what the OKC Memorial Marathon is for and about. "We’ve had conversations about the meaning of the Memorial and the importance of honoring those impacted while celebrating resilience. We recently toured the museum, which was especially meaningful as Ross’s grandfather, my dad, was a survivor. The Kids Marathon reflects 'The Oklahoma Standard,' and those values of perseverance and community are very real to him.

"Our family has talked with him about remembering the volunteers, honoring survivors and carrying on the Oklahoma Standard. Because his grandfather was also a survivor, participating in the Kids Marathon had an especially personal meaning for him and for our family," said Sara.

When asked how it felt to be named an ambassador for the race, Ross said, "It sounded like fun and it’s cool to be an ambassador for the race. I want to help other kids feel strong and brave like the hospital helped me."

Ross's family took him to the 2026 Memorial Kids Marathon on April 25, and after crossing the finish line, he threw his arms up and said, “I did it!”

He was proud to be part of something that helps others remember, stay strong, and keep moving forward. Completing the Kids Memorial Marathon as an ambassador felt like a full-circle moment for our family, and it made the experience even more special to see so many Earlywine students running alongside him and sharing in the day together.

"We are incredibly proud to see Ross represent Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health, Moore Public Schools and Earlywine Elementary," said Sara. 

Learn more about the OKC Memorial Marathon and all of the races by using this link. Find out more about the Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health using this link.