These are a couple of core Julia facts: I am a Chicagoan, I love to run, I love summer camp, and I am a doctor.

Sometimes people get the opportunity to combine all of the things they love. This is my opportunity to do JUST that.

I’m participating in this year’s Chicago's marathon to raise money for Camp One Step by Children's Oncology Services, an organization that operates camps and other recreational and educational experiences for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Camp One Step provides children with a cancer diagnosis the opportunities to build independence, self-trust, and incredible friendships in the same way that Clearwater Camp gave me.

One of my closest, and dearest friends, Michael Angone, joined the Camp One Step family as a counselor and met her now husband, also a pediatric cancer survivor, there. Listening to Michael, it is easy to understand what a special place camp is. It is a place where kids can explore outside the confines of school routine or judgment about their diagnosis.

Please consider donating to Camp One Step and helping me to combine all of the things I love most!

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

I hope you will consider supporting my journey as I raise funds to support children diagnosed with cancer. Your support means the world to me!