Why I’m Running: More Than Just Miles
In Chicago, 26.2 miles is known as a journey through 29 vibrant neighborhoods. But for a family with a critically ill child, the most important journey is much shorter: it’s the distance from a hospital bedside to a warm bed.
I am running the Chicago Marathon to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), and I’ve organized this raffle to turn your generosity into "nights of stay" for families in their hour of greatest need.
The "Why" Behind the Miles
When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, a family’s world stops. Careers are paused, siblings are shuffled around, and the financial burden becomes a mountain. The Ronald McDonald House isn’t just a roof; it’s a place where:
• Parents can get a hot meal after a 12-hour day in the ICU.
• Siblings can find a playroom and a sense of normalcy.
• Families can stay together, because "together" is where healing begins.
Running for Those Who Can’t
Training for a marathon is hard. There are 5:00 AM wake-up calls, blisters, and the inevitable "wall" at Mile 20. But whenever I feel like stopping, I think about the parents sitting in a hospital waiting room right now. Their endurance test doesn’t have a finish line at Grant Park—it lasts weeks, months, or even years.
I’m running the 26.2 miles so they don’t have to walk their journey alone.
How Your Ticket Helps
Every raffle ticket you buy is more than a chance to win a great prize; it is a direct contribution to the "House That Love Built." Your support ensures that a family can focus 100% on their child’s health rather than worrying about where they will sleep or how they will afford their next meal.
Let’s cross this finish line together. Thank you for being part of my "Why."
