As a runner, Katie Butts of Midland knew about Wellstone's Dallas White Rock Marathon. But she didn't know about its beneficiary, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, until her unborn child was referred there.

"We knew our baby had hand and feet differences," said Butts, 27, from her home in Midland. "We were scared to death. Scottish Rite made us feel safe."

Will Butts, born Aug. 30, is healthy, happy and oblivious to the fact that his hands and feet are not fully formed. The Butts family, grateful beyond words, started formulating a way to show its appreciation before Will was born.

Butts knew she could support Scottish Rite by participating in the race after passing the marathon display case on her initial tour of the hospital. During the car ride home, she contacted running friends, who helped her organize a team.

"It gave me something to focus on and plan for and think about," she said. "I love projects."

The "Where there is a WILL, there is a Way," team grew to 213 members. The majority – 150 friends, family members and a few strangers – will run the marathon, the half marathon or a relay. More than 50 others will cheer for the team, all of whom will sport royal blue T-shirts.

"It just shows how closely tied the race and the hosptial really are. It benefits both of us," said race director Marcus Grunewald.

Butts, her husband Reagan, her sister-in-law, Melinda Hall, and her dad, Tom Brown, formed a family relay. Brown will run two legs, and Butts said she would push Will in the stroller in what she hopes will become an annual tradition. Grunewald made a special exemption to allow the stroller.

Limb differences were evident on an ultrasound in June.

"The doctors came up with several possible diagnoses," Butts said. "We were scared to death. We didn't now if our baby would survive."

They shared the situation with their friends and family because they needed the prayer and support. Eighteen well-wishers were on hand after Will was born.

Butts said it's overwhelming to know more than 200 people have come from Midland, Waco, Tyler, Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, Austin, Tennessee, Missouri and even Canada.

"We didn't expect ourselves to be in this position," Butts said. "We've learned a lot and grown a lot. We wouldn't have it any other way."

ELIZABETH M. CLAFFEY / DMN

Midland runner Katie Butts cradles her son Will Butts at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas.

She recalled how shocking and unexpected the news was. A multitude of doctor's appointments left them emotionally exhausted, frightened and with more questions than answers.

Their experience at Scottish Rite assured them everything would be fine.

"No one said anything insensitive," she said. "It's such a happy place. Their goal is to normalize life. Will can do anything he wants. He won't be stopped."

The Butts' mission now is to do as much for the hospital as they can.

"We're committed to giving Will the best we can," she said. "What a relief it was to have a place that is top in the world. Everyone there goes above and beyond with every detail. And, they don't charge a cent. We want to raise money to give back."