Why I'm Running

On October 11, 2026, I will stand on the starting line of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon carrying more than just race goals, I will be carrying the stories, strength, and memories of those affected by cancer. I am honored to represent Advocate Health Care and raise funds for the Creticos Cancer Center, a place where compassion, dignity, and hope meet during life’s most challenging moments.

Cancer is not an abstract cause for me. It is deeply personal. Both of my grandmothers faced cancer, one with Lymphoma, the other with Colon cancer. Despite their strength and courage, both ultimately lost their battles. Their journeys, and the impact their lives have on mine, are part of what drives me forward. I will run in their memory, and for every patient and family member who has sat in a room holding onto hope.

Advocate Health Care’s mission of caring for the whole person is not just words; it’s something that is lived out every day. At Creticos Cancer Center, patients are treated as people first, not diagnoses. They are supported by dedicated clinicians, nurses, navigators, and care teams who treat each individual with empathy, respect, and unwavering dedication throughout every stage of their cancer journey. I have seen how vital compassionate, high‑quality care close to home can be, for patients and for their loved ones. At Creticos Cancer Center, care extends beyond treatment alone. It means listening, educating, comforting, and standing beside patients when the road feels uncertain and overwhelming.

The marathon is a test of endurance, resilience, and perseverance, the very same qualities cancer patients are forced to summon every single day. When my legs get tired and the miles feel heavy, I will be running for those who don’t get to rest, those who keep showing up for treatment, and those who are bravely facing the unknown with courage and hope. I will think of my grandmothers, of patients fighting today, of survivors who continue to inspire, and of families who have loved and lost. This run is for them.

You can be a part of this mission. Your donation directly supports cancer care, patient programs, and vital services at Creticos Cancer Center, helping ensure that no patient ever feels alone in their fight.

Please consider donating or sharing this mission. Your support, no matter the amount or effort, helps fuel hope, healing, and strength for patients and families who need it most.

Together, we can turn miles into meaning and compassion into action. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me honor those we’ve lost and support those still fighting.

Fundraising deadline: September 11, 2026