Growing up with a cousin with Niemann-Pick disease first introduced me to the challenges children with disabilities and their families can face. Later, working as a PCA in a school and eventually becoming an occupational therapist gave me an even deeper understanding of just how much support, care, and opportunity can matter in a child’s life.

As an OT, I learned that a child’s most important occupation is simple: play. Every child deserves the opportunity to experience joy, explore, participate, and just be a kid, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. So when I was given the opportunity to run the Chicago Marathon while raising money to support children and families who may need a little extra help, it felt incredibly meaningful.

I’m fortunate enough to be able to lace up my shoes, run 26.2 miles, and choose to take on something this difficult. I’m running for the kids and families who face challenges they never got to choose and hopefully raising some money to make those challenges just a little bit easier along the way. 
 

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Whether it’s $1, $5, or simply sharing my page with someone else, I’m incredibly grateful for your support. If you have any questions about the charity, my fundraising, or why I chose to run with Team Special Children’s Charities, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for helping me make these 26.2 miles mean a little more. ❤️