People constantly underestimated my twin sister and my older brother. For the longest time, I did too. It wasn't that they couldn't do something. It was that being included asked neurotypical people to show up differently. To find a way to be inclusive instead of exclusive. Too often, people wouldn't. Too often, I wouldn't.

The time I spent being embarrassed or ashamed of the ways they were different would have been better spent just accepting them for everything they already are. I wish I could go back and change that. I wish I had found a way, sooner, to be a bigger person.

My twin and my brother live in another state now, and I've watched them thrive in programs and activities the way any of us would. I think often about what their young adult lives would have looked like if they'd had access to programs like Special Children's Charities.

Special Children's Charities funds the programs, coaches, equipment, and opportunities that reach kids and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities across all 77 of Chicago's neighborhoods.

This October, I'm running the Chicago Marathon for them. My goal is to raise $2,500.

If you can give, any amount helps. If you can't, share this with someone who might. Either way, thank you for reading.