I hate running. I've always been athletic, but I have never been a runner. I begrudgingly complete running portions of CrossFit workouts, and I am almost always the slowest person in the pack. This is going to be tough. I don't know how I am going to do it, but there are countless kids and families who face battles every day without knowing how they are going to get through them. So here I am jumping in to a long, scary challenge, motivated by the opportunity to help those who are facing longer, scarier challenges. 

I am running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for the patients at Lurie Children’s! I am dedicating my 26.2 miles to advancing research, supporting families, and helping to provide access for more kids - kids like my own son Lucas who became a Lurie's patient in 2020 after experiencing his first seizure. 

As a nonprofit hospital, Lurie Children’s depends on donations to provide the best care for kids. If you are able, I hope that you will help me reach my fundraising goal in support of the patients and families at Lurie Children’s. Maybe your company has a donation matching program to bring even more support to the cause!?! Please check if they do!

Here’s how your donations can make a difference:

$1 will be appreciated by me and will motivate me to keep working toward my goal.

$25 can buy a child a toy, blanket, or other item that might bring precious comfort when facing a new and often scary procedure. (Lucas received a blanket when he went in for an MRI - he still refers to is as "my favorite blankie".) 

$100 is enough to help make a child’s hospital stay a more positive experience with activities, supplies, and toys.

$250 can provide patients with the support they need to thrive after lengthy hospital stays.

$500 supports clinical trials to help discover new or more effective treatment options.

$1000 means we can train the next generation of specialists.

All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged by Lurie Children’s Foundation.

If you cannot afford a donation, please schedule time to toss me a football or to chase me down like a bad guy while I train - because running to catch a football or pretending that I am fleeing a scary situation might be the only way I manage to stay on track. 😆

Regardless of which form your support takes, on behalf of my family and all of the patients and families of Lurie Children’s, THANK YOU!