Hi there! My name is Danielle, and I am so excited to be running the Chicago Marathon for the second year in a row with Special Olympics Chicago!
Growing up with two parents who have run multiple marathons and were some of the best athletes I knew meant I was always involved in sports from a very young age. From figure skating to tennis, I cannot imagine my childhood without competitive sports. I also cannot imagine my life without my twin sister, Ashley.
Ashley, who is one minute older than me and never lets me forget, was born with epilepsy and hemiplegia. She is also borderline legally blind. From a young age, Ashley was determined to not let her disability hold her back. She took up figure skating shortly after I did, and thanks to some incredible coaches, was able to compete in a handful of national competitions!
Since she was 9 years old, Ashley has been a star on the baseball field through the Miracle League of San Diego, an organization I was lucky enough to be a buddy for and later coach in. Known as "Smashly Ashley," she has been hitting home runs every weekend for the last 14 years with the biggest smile on her face.
Sports have always been a bonding activity for Ashley and me. I am extremely excited to see the ongoing change and inclusion within sports regarding the special needs community.
I am running the Chicago marathon for Ashley and all the special needs children/adults who have been told no based on their disability. It is thanks to organizations like the Special Olympics that more and more opportunities are being presented for the special needs community for sports and athletics as a whole.
If you wish to make a donation via check, please send to the address below and they will credit the donation to my fundraising page. Please make sure to include my name (or the person you would like to support) in the memo section.
Please make all checks payable to Special Children's Charities.
Mail to:
Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities
2 E. 8th St., Suite 2M
Chicago, IL 60605
Again, thank you for supporting the thousands of Special Olympics Chicago's superstar athletes! #TeamSpecialOChicago