Hi everyone! My name is Danielle (but you probably already knew that :)) and I am so excited to be running the 2026 Chicago Marathon in support of the American Heart Association! This cause is near and dear to my heart due to the AHA's diligent work towards advocacy, research, and support for survivors of cardiovascular disease including stroke.
As you may know, my dad had a major hemorrhagic stroke in Fall 2012. During the following year, my family and I rotated through ICU rooms, inpatient hospitals, physical therapy gyms, and other medical facilities as my dad fought his battle. At the start of this journey, we were told first, that his odds of survival were low, and second, that if he did survive, he would likely be reliant on an electric wheelchair for the rest of his life. For a 16 year-old, it was devasting to hear this, see the strongest person I knew surviving only because of the tubes connected to his body, and somehow go about my daily life. But my father proved his fortitude. With the help of his care team, my dad began to recover. Each day, he pushed a little harder in physical therapy, eventually reaching a point where he could take his first steps. I am so thankful for the life-saving care my dad received and the years we've been able to spend together as a result.
The stroke research and education bolstered by the AHA contributes to positive outcomes for stroke survivors like my dad. The AHA backs critical research including refinement of hemorrhagic stroke treatment and rehabilitation plans and inqueries on stress on cardiovascular patients. Beyond this, the AHA works to establish preventative stroke + cardiovascular disease guidelines, warning signs of illness, and support systems for all cardiovascular disease survivors.
I am honored to support an organization dedicated to this cause - I first ran the Chicago Marathon with the American Heart Association in 2022 and am stoked to partner with them again in 2026!
Thank you for supporting American Heart Association with me. Your contributions of any shape - volunteering, monetary donation, race day support - are greatly appreciated.
