Why I'm Running

Hello ALL!!! 

Since running the NYC half in 2023, running has become a hobby of mine. My love for running actually began when I started to run with my dad. Together we have completed many long runs, often recording funny videos along the way with updates of our progress at each mile. I also enjoy running with friends and sometimes by myself so I can relax and regroup.

This year, my best friend Lauren and I have decided to team up together to run the Chicago Marathon. While training for this, we have also set a goal for ourselves to raise money for Advocate Health Care. By joining the charity running team, I will become part of a group of people who are supporting cancer research, helping children and adults with Down syndrome, giving back to the nurses and physicians who save lives every day and much more.  

Our fundraising will specifically go towards raising money for nursing programs.
Lauren and I first met at our job in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Stamford Hospital. Lauren was my assigned preceptor when I first started. Little did we know at the time, we both graduated from the same nursing program, just a few years apart! We work in an environment that is challenging, stressful and fast paced. Despite the difficult days, working in the ICU is aslo very rewarding.  As nurses in an ICU, we are the strength our patient’s and families need during their most critical and vulnerable times.

Throughout us working together we both have experienced the impact of the ongoing issue pertaining to a nursing shortage. When we began researching charities we came across Advocate Health. As proud graduates of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, we have held our school close in our hearts and feel grateful for our outstanding academic experience.

By raising money for nursing programs through Advocate Health it will allow nursing students to gain the opportunities and knowledge necessary to become a successful nurse and ultimately join the workforce to hopefully one day lessen the current nursing shortage issues.

Being part of a rewarding profession is something both myself and Lauren feel fortunate to be a part of. I hope our fundraising will guide future nurses towards a path that allows them to develop the same knowledge, but most importantly passion, we both share for caring for people. Together we will run and face the challenge of this marathon and we appreciate all your support during our training journey!!!!