Thank you for visiting our fundraising page. In October 2021, my daughter Alyssa and I will run the Chicago Marathon on behalf Endure to Cure Pediatric Cancer Foundation (E2C).
A little background, 2021 will be 25 years since I ran my one only only marathon in Chicago. I ran it back in 1996 dedicating it to my mom Linda Haselby. You see she passed away that summer of a brain tumor after being diagnosed 18 months before. She was a proud mom of four boys, a wife (my dad passed away in 2005 unexpectedly), and teacher who dedicated her life to her students. My daughter Alyssa was two at the time when she passed and was her only grandchild at the time. She was spoiled tremendously by her and was her pride and joy. My wife Michelle along with my daughter and in-laws came to watch me race that October day. Surviving through cramps, hunger, and mental anguished was nothing compared to what my mom had to endure during those 18 months.
A couple of years ago I started running again. I was out of shape, weighing heavier than I've ever weighed before. With the support of Michelle and Alyssa, we started to run local 5k races and eventually ran a half marathon in the fall of 2019. I had my eye on the Chicago Marathon 2021 as a goal. I was interested in fundraising for a charity involving cancer that I thought mom would approve of. Then Covid hit.
I wasn't sure if there would be live running or a race in 2021. When we found out in December that their was, I was conflicted in doing it (more like looking for excuses to get out of it). Alyssa agreed to train and run it with me and Michelle agreed to be my emotional support. We started looking at charities.
Why Endure to Cure? E2C's programs include the Small Miracles Program provides children in cancer treatment and their families with uplifting gifts and experiences to help boost their spirits. Its Travel for Treatment Assistance Program helps families cover the immediate and uninsurable out-of-pocket expenses related to getting to and from their child’s cancer treatments. These expenses include things such as transportation, meals, and lodging.
As a member of Team E2C, we will be running with an equally dedicated group of individuals willing to go the distance for this cause. Each year in the U.S. alone, nearly 15,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will help ease the emotional and financial impacts of childhood cancer.
At the Chicago Marathon, we will continue to push our physical and mental endurance limits to reach the finish line, 26.2 miles from start. Our inspiration will come from mom/grandma and from the children who struggle with cancer each and every day, and knowing that our efforts will make a positive impact for them and their families.
Please help put a smile on some young faces and families in need of it most by making a contribution to this incredible cause--any size helps create impact. Thank you so much for your support, your prayers, and encouragement!
