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120 Miracle Miles – Paddling for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

In July 2026, Ryan Clouse—owner and operator of Clouse Family Ace Hardware stores and Roger’s Family Foods—will take on one of the toughest endurance events in North America: the Ausable River Canoe Marathon, a grueling, nonstop 120-mile canoe race from Grayling to Oscoda, Michigan.

But Ryan isn’t racing just for the finish line—he’s racing for something bigger. Through his campaign, 120 Miracle Miles, Ryan’s goal is to raise over $1 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN).

Why This Mission Matters - What’s our “Why?”

This cause is deeply personal to Ryan. His daughter, Kinsley, was treated at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (a CMN hospital) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she underwent surgery to remove a benign tumor from her hand—twice before the age of five.

“I’m forever grateful for what they did for my family,” Ryan says. “My heart and prayers go to those receiving care from these great hospitals. I am forever in their debt.”

  • Ryan has also been connected to the Ausable River Marathon through family. His wife, Sarah, is the great-granddaughter of Harry Curley, a legendary paddler and race organizer who earned the title Mr. AuSable Canoe Race. This legacy, along with his own sponsorship of race teams, inspired Ryan to pick up the paddle himself—despite having never raced a canoe before.

$120 for 120 Miles

Ryan has fully funded his own race expenses. That means 100% of sponsorships, donations, and apparel sales go directly to CMN Hospitals.

He’s asking supporters to become Miracle Sponsors by pledging $120—one dollar for every mile of the race. His vision:

  • 10,000 Miracle Sponsors = $1.2 million raised
  • A single race turned into a wave of change for children’s health

In addition to sponsorships, Ryan has launched a fundraising store where every shirt, hoodie, hat, or wristband sold contributes directly to the cause.

Training for the Impossible

Preparing for the Ausable River Canoe Marathon means 15+ hours of nonstop paddling overnight, testing every ounce of endurance, grit, and faith. Ryan has committed to training daily—paddling several times a week and working out relentlessly to be ready for this ultimate test of strength and perseverance.

To stay grounded, Ryan wears two crosses: one to remind him to pray for determination and grit to complete the marathon, and one to pray that this campaign will truly change lives through CMN.

A Community Effort

Ace Hardware stores across the U.S. already support CMN through round-up campaigns, bucket sales, and local fundraisers. Ryan’s effort builds on that tradition—bringing together his family, community, customers, and supporters nationwide to create the largest single fundraising event CMN has ever seen.

“With the power of social media, the support of local communities, and the generosity of people with big hearts, I believe my goal is possible,” Ryan says. “And with God, all things are possible.”

Join the Journey

Whether you become a Platinum Sponsor, Gold Sponsor, Silver Sponsor, or Miracle Sponsor, or purchase fundraising apparel and swag, you are directly supporting children and families who need life-saving care.

It starts with a single paddle stroke, it starts with you, help us go the distance for CMN Hospitals.

Together, we can turn 120 miles of river into $1.2 million of miracles.