Why I'm Running (with one foot on the ground at all times!)

On October 12, 2025, I will be race walking the 26.2 mile Chicago Marathon's a member of Advocate Aurora Health Care's charity running team. I was able to specifically picked the Christ Medical Center Bone and Joint Institute at Advocate Aurora, because I have first-hand experience with joint surgeries and am a recipient of two bone graft donations that I will literally be race walking on in my right knee.

As a member of the charity running team, I will be training, fundraising, and ultimately running 26.2 miles to benefit patients and families in need.

I have had FIVE knee surgeries - three on my right knee and two on my left knee.  And I am very blessed.  These surgeries have allowed me to get back to racing in 5k races, half-marathons, and soon-to-be my second official marathon.  The first marathon and only official marathon was in 2013, about one month before my first of the surgeries.  Chicago will be my second and my first official race walking all 26.2 miles. Two of my surgeries were scopes, but the other three were invasive, full knee open, kneecap dislocated to access the end of my femur and repair severe cartilage defects. I have been on crutches for a cumulative total of half a year of my life.  I have fought back to regain my strength in my knees through tough rehab.  And it has all been possible because of three sets of incredible people.  First, the two anonymous families who blessed me with their loved-one's bone and cartilage for transplantation so that my knees can still work.  Second, my phenomenal surgeon Dr. Gordon and phenomenal physical therapist Brian who never ever said "you can't" or "you shouldn't", but always said "you can still meet your goals". And last but not least my family and friends, with a special shout-out to my amazing wife Kathy, my amazing boys Joe and Josh, and my newest running buddy Emily, who supported me and endured all the trials and stresses of months of rehabilitation not once or twice but for the three major surgeries. 

I am race walking now because running still works but only to about 4-5 miles.  But I'm a darn competitive race walker, averaging just over 10:30 miles during half marathons. I've even been fortunate enough to win three race walking half marathons.  Not in my 52 year old age group.  Overall.  Yes, I'm pretty darn proud of that!  There are plenty of race walkers who can beat me, and I'll be thrilled to meet them if they are brave or crazy enough to do the Chicago Marathon too!  My goal is to be under 5 hours.  I've done one unofficial full three years ago race walking, and it was 5:04. So I've got a chance!!

If you see this message and are encouraged to donate to help support the future patients who need the caring and healing I received, please donate! It is so appreciated and I'll proudly fight for my goal with all of your support in my mind and heart! Love, Mike