Doug Kern's dream to participate in the Palm Beaches Marathon in Florida to benefit the Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley blossomed into a yearlong, collaborative endeavor which yielded $73,012.45 for the organization.

The Miracle League provides children with special needs an opportunity to play baseball on a specially designed, accessible field in Heidelberg Township.

On Jan. 12, Memorial Hall at Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, was filled with people of all ages, many wearing bright blue Miles for Miracles T-shirts, excitedly awaiting the announcement of how much money had been collected.

When the moment of revelation came, after more than an hour of emotional tributes, thank-yous, reminiscences and music, the response was a long, spirited standing ovation from the crowd.

Kern, who provided the vision and challenge for what evolved into the Miles for Miracles campaign, offered his thoughts on the successful project.

"Everybody focuses on me, but it's bigger than that," Kern said. "It was a lot of fun, and we had a great time doing it, but no one ever lost sight of why we were together or why we did what we did – to support the Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley."

During his senior year at Parkland High School in 1970, Kern was injured while playing on the Trojan football team. He broke his neck and was completely paralyzed.

"Through faith, grueling therapy, and devoted friends and family, I walked out of Good Shepherd rehab eight months later using a cane," Kern recalled.

Continuing to maintain an active lifestyle and competitive outlook, Kern rides a handcycle, a special bicycle powered by arm and upper body strength.

Five years ago, he participated in the New York City marathon on his handcycle.

This was not only a personal challenge but also a fundraiser that brought in $35,000 for the Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley.

Last January, Kern invited 20 people to his North Whitehall home to hear his plan for another marathon and Miracle League fundraiser.

Rich Carinci, who later ran the 5K fundraising event at Union UCC in the summer, remembers the mood at that meeting.

Not everyone knew each other at the time, and some were a bit skeptical of whether the proposal would work out, he explained.

"Doug said, 'If you can't get excited about something like this, you don't belong here.' We turned into a group of friends who worked hard for this cause," Carinci said.

Team Miracle was born, and the Palm Beaches Marathon was designated the main venue for fundraising.

The consistory of Union UCC voted to endorse the project and collaborated on numerous fundraisers throughout the year.

"Our pastors have shown as much support for our endeavor as anyone ever could," Carinci said. "Thank you, Pastors Tom [Thomas], Kris [Snyder-Samuelson], and Union UCC.

The Miracle Under the Stars music program performed by a 60-voice volunteer chorus at the church grove in July was a turning point, Claire Kern, Doug's wife reported.

She said the amazing turnout demonstrated involvement and support from the community.

A contingent of 35 people traveled to West Palm Beach for the Dec. 8, 2013, marathon.

The temperature was already in the mid 70s when the race began with 85 percent humidity.

Kern, who trained rigorously by pedaling up to 2-1/2 hours on a training device at home, finished the 26.2-mile race in 2-1/2 hours.

"I was the third oldest guy to do this. It's not an old guy's kind of thing to do," said Kern, who turns 60 this month.

Team Miracle participants in the marathon also included Barbara Brader, Rich Bonsell, Darren German, Joe Schmidt and Mike Stribula.

Ed Brader, Megan Bonsell, Bob Steckel, and Sarah Stribula ran the half-marathon.

Nate Kern, Jeff Herbine, Ronnie Herbine, and Kelly Trussell comprised a relay team in the event.

The remaining people who made the trip provided encouragement for the runners.

Phil and Julie Wehr of Neffs surprised participants with their presence at the fourth mile.

Wearing glittery blue tall hats, waving a Team Miracle banner, and jingling blue cowbells, the Wehrs cheered as the marathoners passed by.

At the Sunday program, Claire Kern stepped forward with personal thoughts.

"This has been quite a year. It was inspirational, emotional, and surprising," she said. "This idea of Doug's exploded to 21 events. "Volunteers came forward from everywhere. The church and community came together.

"All these [Miracle League] kids want is just what every other kid does to play together and be on a team."

She explained that despite his disability, her husband graduated from college, has a career and a family.

"I love you, honey," said Claire Kern, as the two embraced and emotions soared in the hall.

Melissa Borland, executive director of Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley, expressed gratitude not only for the sizeable monetary gift but for the inspirational year.

"This represents a really big thing," Borland said. "It's something that's part of your soul.

"When someone does something so amazing, it's because they want to do the right thing. They want to pay it forward.

"Doug, you give us a vision that fills our hearts. It makes us want to rise up and do many more great things.

"This was just an incredible year. It made us better people.

"This community holds up the Miracle League."