Friends, it is such an honor to be running for the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) for the Chicago Marathon this year.  This is my first Chicago marathon, and I'm so hoping that my hard training pays off with some strong financial support for such a great charity.

GLASA insists that "No one sit on the sidelines".  Their mission is to "promote and support the optimal development and well-being for youth, adults and injured military veterans who have a primary physical or visual disability through the provision of inclusive recreational, fitness and competitive sports activities. GLASA offers opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership and training in collaboration with community-based organizations."

The physical and psychological power of sports is never more obvious when you watch a GLASA athlete. This organization supports 625 youths, adults and veterans each year at 60 different locations in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Critically, 91.3% of your donations will go directly to GLASA programs and the people the agency serves. This includes customized adaptive equipment and specialized coaching so these athletes can do archery, cycling, scuba diving and many more sports. For the high schoolers, GLASA boasts a 100% rate of college entry for students who participated the last 3 years.

“Since I have been with GLASA, I have not been depressed and lonely. I have a lot more friends now. I now know there are no obstacles that I cannot overcome, even with a disability.” –Samantha, age 15

So help me achieve my goal, and more importantly, help GLASA achieve their much more noble pursuits.

And for those who work for a major corporation (like Baxter or Lilly), please request a matching donation, as well.

Thank you.