As a member of the charity running team, I will be training, fundraising, and ultimately running 26.2 miles to benefit Cancer Care Treatment Programs at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Your support can help to ensure that more families have more days to spend with the ones they love, everyone has a fighting chance against cancer, and no one has to endure needless suffering. My mom had a fierce spirit, but this was a battle she couldn’t win. Each contribution to my fundraising efforts can provide the gift of hope to all the fighters who come through Advocate’s doors and allow more of them to leave with the gift of health.

This cause is something near and close to me as I have had family members affected by this debilitating disease. My Abuelito on my Dad's side passed away from Alzheimer's and I got to see it first hand as he was struggling with it in his later years. And while I never met her, my grandmother on my mom's side passed away from it as well before I was born and I can only imagine if I had a chance to meet her if she did not have the disease. I feel very passionately about running for ALZ as I know I am doing something I love and helping give back to others and also supporting both my Grandma and Abuelito who I believe would appreciate me running this for them.

"Build. Educate. Empower." I am running the 2024 Chicago Marathon to benefit RISE International - an organization that builds schools to educate and empower the children of Angola. Since 2003, RISE has provided 196 school buildings in Angolan communities that otherwise had none. After being involved with their annual fundraising event for several years in a row, and hearing their powerful stories, I wanted to do something more. So I'm going to use my legs (and stubborn determination) to hopefully raise funds that will allow them to continue their incredible work. RISE can make so much happen with every dollar they receive. If you're able to donate any amount, it is so appreciated!

Currently, more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and that number is expected to grow to nearly 13 million by 2050. Our future is at risk and we must come together to change the course of this disease.

Please support my efforts by making a donation. All funds raised benefit the Alzheimer's Association and its work to enhance care and support programs and advance research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease!