WORCESTER, Mass. (WWLP) - A Worcester man diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a child is raising funds to benefit UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center (CMC) by running across Massachusetts. In a news release sent to 22News from UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, 33-year-old David Filar is pushing himself for a good cause, to raise funds for CMC to purchase safe, developmental, and fun toys that will brighten the hospital stays of young patients. Millions expected to travel for Thanksgiving “The funds raised will support our Child Life Program’s effort to ensure each patient receives the right toy to meet their unique needs this holiday season. We are so grateful for Dave’s fun and creative approach to fundraising, and we look forward to cheering him on—especially in person as he runs through our campus on Sunday,” said Kendra Frederick, Child Life Program Manager, UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center. In 5th grade, David was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and spent much of his childhood being treated at Connecticut Children’s. Today, David is a footwear designer and his work is featured at The Museum of Fine Arts, David Ortiz’s Children’s Fund, and Shawn Thornton’s Foundation. “I've been really fortunate. I think it's time for people to give back when you've become any bit of comfortable.” (Courtesy UMMH) Beginning this Friday, David will start his 154-mile journey by running from West Stockbridge to Martin’s Park in Boston. The challenge is expected to take four days with an average of under 40 miles a day. “You have no idea how many people have advised me against running it at the end of November and early December but I'm not like many people," David said. To support David's campaign, visit justgiving.com and follow his run in progress on his Instagram account. On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, David is expected to present a ceremonial check to the Children’s Medical Center. Local News Headlines Flags at half-staff in Massachusetts in honor of former state Rep. Gloria Fox How many people voted in Massachusetts for the presidential election? Final results are in Man diagnosed with Crohn’s disease running across Massachusetts for children’s hospital Report may doom idea of betting kiosks in restaurants WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.