Howdy all! My name is Matt and I’m thrilled to be representing team Unite 2 Fight Paralysis in the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! I’m passionate about this cause and would appreciate your help! Every donation- big or small, helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.
Name: Matt Chan
City: Rochester, NY
Profession: Registered ICU Nurse at URMC
Fundraising Goal: $2,750
Race Goal: Under 3:40:00!
Describe your connection to U2FP, why you chose to race in support of U2FP, and whether you have a personal connection to spinal cord injury and paralysis:
I'm running for Team U2FP to help support those living with paralysis and empower the community impacted by SCI. As an ICU nurse, I've had the opportunity to work with patients affected by paralysis of many kinds, including SCI- they are always great, compassionate people, and I am amazed at their resilience, and am inspired by the challenges they have overcome and continue to face. As a runner and a nurse, I am grateful for my health, the running community, and the challenges I've taken on, and want to help give back to a community that has inspired me to keep on moving!
Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed?
This will be my second Marathon! My first race was the 2025 Williams Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, OK.
What do you crave after a long run?
Cracking an ice cold bottle of blue powerade, a fat burger, and a nap- the simple pleasures!
Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what?
For training I definitely consult the marathon spotify playlist, which is full of my favorite pop indie folk songs by Noah Kahan, Hozier, Mumford&sons, as well as some hip hop artists like J. Cole, but if the run is long enough, I love to switch it up with a good comedy podcast.
What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon?
I am most excited for the crowds and the hype, meeting some amazing runners and fellow fundraisers and becoming part of an awesome community supporting some of the most amazing causes. I am also excited to run along one of the most beautiful cityscapes for a whole 26.2 miles. I am most nervous about performing well and seeing what months of training has led me to, and dodging the injuries!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
If I'm not running on the roads, I'm running through the woods and up the mountains! I love the outdoors- hiking, paddling, camping, climbing, etc. Nothing beats setting up a tent and burning smores under a starry night sky.
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!
Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me!