Twenty-two years ago, I crossed the finish line of the Chicago Marathon with a medal around my neck and a huge smile on my face.

I've stayed active ever since — running, staying fit, taking my health seriously. I just never felt a compelling reason to run 26.2 miles again. Until now.

Last year I had a heart attack. It was scary but I came through it fully recovered and in excellent cardiovascular shape. And the experience gave me another cause I believe in deeply.

So this October, I'm running the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for the American Heart Association.

The AHA funds the research, education, and emergency response systems that help people like me survive heart events and go on to live full, active lives. That work is personal to me now. I want to give back in a meaningful way — and running 26.2 miles through the city I love feels like the right way to do it.

My goal is to raise $25,000. Every dollar goes directly to the AHA's life-saving mission. If you can contribute, it would mean the world to me.

Thank you for being a part of my life and for helping me with this goal!

— Bill