Welcome to my fundraising page for Team GLASA!

I’m very excited to have the opportunity to not only run my first marathon, but to have you join me on this incredible journey! What’s always inspired me about the Chicago Marathon is the sense of community that takes place among runners and non-runners alike. On race day, everyone crowds the city streets to cheer for family, friends, strangers, and everyone involved in making the Chicago Marathon one of the most renowned races in the world. The vivacious energy in the city is so contagious because of the people who put in the time and effort to make it such a wonderful experience for everyone. GLASA has this same spirit and that’s why I’m honored to be part of their charity team. Just from my brief interactions with GLASA members, I felt their strong sense of advocacy and their eagerness to lend a helping hand. GLASA exemplifies what true team work is, and what they have accomplished so far is a testament to the power that we have within ourselves in order to meet humanitarian efforts.

Since its establishment in 1999, GLASA has grown to serve over 3,000 individuals who have a physical or visual disability. With over 60 locations in the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin region, these individuals are able to find a variety of sports programs that enable them to find and build social support systems. Through these opportunities and interactions, they’re able to increase overall strength and health, build confidence and self-esteem, and are able to acknowledge their unyielding potential. In order to grow and transform, you need to branch out from your comfort zone, and this is what these individuals do. With GLASA’s help, individuals do not allow their disability to deter them from attaining certain goals. While disabilities have their inherent challenges, they don't affect an individual’s value and potential. What I admire most about GLASA and the individuals they serve is that they remind everyone of the individual power and strength to keep going when it’s so easy to give up.

I was never an athlete and it still feels strange labeling myself as one. When I first started running about three years ago, I hated it. It took me 17 minutes to finish one mile and I constantly questioned my capabilities, but after getting into a regular running schedule, running became my safe haven and ultimately, a lifestyle. I’ve hit a new PR every year because I’ve stayed focused and disciplined, but there are still moments in a race when I simply feel like slowing down or giving up. I enjoy running because of its solidarity, but I love participating in races because despite all the time I spend by myself, I’m not alone. Seeing runners from all walks of life, running different paces, and running for different reasons, continually inspires me to keep my head up. During marathon training and on October 8th, I’ll be inspired by the individuals with disabilities who persevere and find every reason to keep going when I’m starting to hit the wall and trying to find any excuse to give up.

Your donation to GLASA helps continue programs and community initiatives, but I hope that it can also inspire you to learn more about GLASA as a charity, or perhaps compel you to volunteer or help other charities that you personally support. It’s always easier to give a monetary donation, but giving your time and engaging in personable interactions is priceless. Together, let’s reach goals for these individuals and “let no one sit on the sidelines.”