This year, I’m running the 2026 Chicago Marathon with Lurie Children’s on the A Little Lighter team, raising funds to support kids and families facing pediatric hematology and oncology diagnoses. As a nonprofit hospital, Lurie Children’s depends on donations to provide the best care for kids and their families. A Little Lighter’s mission is to help with the emotional, physical, and financial burden families carry during an incredibly difficult and overwhelming time.

I turn 30 a couple of days after the marathon, and I'm in my last year of medical school. Between the two, it felt like a good time to find a new way to support patients, and this one happens to be 26.2 miles long. If you want to get me something for my birthday, skip the present and donate to my race instead. I appreciate you for supporting my training and helping make things a little lighter for these kids and their families.

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

On behalf of the patients and families of Lurie Children’s, thank you for your support!