Six years ago, Mark Staehely was a patient at Children's Memorial Hospital, undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of cancer. While there, he noticed that some of the children had not received Christmas presents, and made it his mission to ensure that children in the hospital had gifts the following Christmas. He was 12 at the time.

The first year, he collected about 100 toys. This year, so many toys were donated that Mark's foundation not only filled Children's Memorial with gifts, but was able to pass on additional gifts to children at area hospitals, including Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. Over 18,000 toys were collected this year.

Sadly, Mark passed away in March 2006 of neroblastoma (a form of childhood cancer), but his family and friends - spearheaded by Mark's mom Sue -  would not let the memory, or traditions, of this extremely brave boy stop. Together, they kept Mark's spirit alive by organizing a race to raise money for toys.

Together with Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center and Cardinal Fitness Centers, the "Make Your Mark" race began on behalf of the Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The saying is that 200 runners for a first time race is a success; the "Make Your Mark" race had 451 registered participants who ran or walked the 5K race and raised over $14,000. The race was dubbed one of the largest races in the Southwest suburbs.

Though Mark isn't physically here to pass out gifts this year, there is no doubt he is watching over every child in the hospital during this very special holiday. He is proof that one person can make a very big difference.

Isaiah Beazley, a patient in the Emergency Department at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, looks with mom Erika over his toys from the Mark Staehely Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The toy drive was started by Mark Staehely who, at 11 years old, wanted to ensure that no child in a hospital ever had to go without presents. In it's sixth year, the drive continues to collect over 13,000 toys a year.