The 11-year-old Albion Park Rail girl is the youth ambassador for the 2015 Run Wollongong event which will wind its way around the Wollongong waterfront on October 18.

The event has raised more than $250,000 since its inception in 2013, with the funds significantly contributing to the construction of the Illawarra Children's Assessment Unit in North Wollongong.

This year 100 per cent of the registration fees will be spent on refurbishing the children's ward and equipping it with outpatient rooms, a short stay/observation area, a playroom and parent facilities.

"Stephanie was first rushed to Wollongong Hospital in 2008 when she was four - she'd lost a lot of weight in a short time and blood tests revealed Type 1 diabetes," mother Rebecca Hill said.

"She spent a week in hospital that first time and I've lost count of the times she's been in there since when her blood sugar levels have gone through the roof.

"The staff at the children's ward can't do enough for you and so taking part in Run Wollongong gives us the opportunity to say thank you to all the doctors, nurses and everyone else."

Stephanie's condition has improved in the last few years thanks to an insulin pump attached to her stomach which continuously delivers insulin under the skin.

The St Paul's Catholic School student joins fellow Run Wollongong ambassadors, surfing champion Sally Fitzgibbons and former rugby great Wendell Sailor.

The event, presented by Illawarra Coal, offers something for everyone with a 12km and 6km run, a 6km family walk and a 1km run for kids aged four to 12.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District director of paediatrics Dr Susie Piper hoped that the Illawarra community would get behind the event again in 2015.

"This year our focus is on the redevelopment ... which will make the experience of a stay in hospital more pleasant for our littlest patients," she said.

To register visit wollongong.runaustralia.com.au.