We had a scary month in October with not knowing what Lota's biopsy was, but the love of friends, family and strangers; the miracles that we witnessed, the peace that we felt outweigh all the tough times. God is real. He lives and he knows each one of us. We just need to put our trust in him to lead the way while we push our way through each obstacle. This Christmas we share with you a very personal journey we've been on and the many miracles that happened along the way. Lota's story is not only about serving others with a Christlike love, it is also about braving the tough storms in our lives, inspiring others to make a difference in someone else's life, and most of all, recognizing the guidance of the Spirit and appreciating the little miracles that are unfolding in our lives each day.
Lota's Miracle is the message we want to share with you this Christmas. Our hearts are full with gratitude and we pray that you will feel the love of our Savior as you read Lota's story.
LOTA'S MIRACLE
By - Rowena Ward (Lota's Mom)
My son Lota is a boy of strength, a boy with a heart of gold, a boy with some very persistent guardian angels. Let me start from the beginning.
Lota found a love for running after a few trail runs with his Dad. Father and son developed a very tight bond and running became their thing. After Keith and I ran a half marathon in May; Lota begged to run one with his Dad too. We signed him up for the school 5K fundraiser to see how he does. Unfortunately Lota fell off the monkey bars at school and broke his arm about a week before the race. We assumed he wasn't going to run it because of his cast. But No. Lota ran it and crossed the finish line with smiles and more determination to run his first half. A few weeks later, he ran the XTERRA Olympic Park, Park City 21K (13.1 trail miles). I was a nervous mess on the way to the finish line that day. To be honest, I didn't want him to run such a long race. I didn't have a good enough reason. I was simply scared for him. However, I knew from experiences that I should never allow my fears to stop my children from doing something they love, something that can make them better and stronger individuals.
![]() |
XTERRA Olympic Park, Park City May 31st 2014 |
He wasn't joking. He later ran the XTERRA Jordenelle 21K, followed by the XTERRA Wolf Mountain 10K. By this time, Lota was so confident with his running, he would not stop talking about his next race. We challenged him to run his next race for a good cause and he embraced the idea. He decided to run his next half for two neighborhood friends that have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). In September, despite bad weather and a headache, Lota was determine to run. It was a tough run, but he finished and he raised $1735 ($1579.03 after fees) for his friends and brought awareness to Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a disease many did not know about until they heard about Lota's cause. Lota thought it was the coolest thing to raise that money for Tanner and Skyler Jensen. He was so happy to help. It was after that race that I was 100% certain, there was something special about Lota. Something I did not fully understand.
![]() |
Playing with his friends - Tanner and Skyler Jensen |
My first call that day was to our new insurance for a list of providers. Miraculously, a real person answered my call instead of the usual automated machine and within minutes a list of providers was sent to my email. I had another strong feeling to make an appointment that very day. It was a tough task, given it was already 12:30 pm. Keith was getting ready for work and he wanted to spend sometime with me before heading out. But the feeling was persistent, "Get Lota in to see an eye doctor today". I followed through. After calling several providers with no success, I finally got a last minute appointment with Dr. Wenom at Specialized Optical in South Ogden; someone had just canceled. Another thought came to me "Take Keith with you". I did.
Lota's love for running and that one act of kindness he did for his friends prepared him for a day we never saw coming. The tough patches he hit on those trail runs, and how he fought through them were the experiences we used to help him cope through the hard times of his journey. Lota has always had a big heart for others. His very first pay it forward run was during a cold rainy day. That did not stop him. This past summer he volunteered at the This is the Place Heritage park with me and his siblings. He didn't enjoy football as much because he didn't like tackling other kids or being tackled. Lota not only has a big heart for others, he is also a fighter; a warrior in his own ways. Two day after his 2nd surgery, he refused to stay in bed, instead he walked almost the whole hospital and then declared to his doctor, "I'm ready to go home". He was released later that day.
We hope Lota's story will inspire you to appreciate the many tender mercies in your life, to be selfless and to do something outside of your comfort zone for someone else. May you all feel the Love of our Savior this Christmas. We are forever grateful and we pray that our kind Father in Heaven will bless all of you today and always. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2015.
PS: Look out for Lota's story on the Deseret News on Christmas Day. You can also read another article on Lota at http://www.xterraplanet.com/xterra-kid-big-heart-needs-help
With warm regards, The Wards.
UPDATE:Here is Lota's article from Christmas day in the Deseret News. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865618415/Little-Warrior-and-family-comforted-by-community-generosity-and-support.html?pg=all
Love to All.
With Nana and Poppah after the 2014 XTERRA National Championship, Snowbasin Resort Ogden UT |