Some of my earliest and happiest memories are from waking up before sunrise, bundling up in layers, and heading downtown to watch my dad run the Chicago Marathon. My favorite spot was always Chinatown, surrounded by the clanging of cowbells and the energy of smiling faces. I loved playing the “find dad” game in the crowd and cheering him on with so much pride. Between 2002 and 2005, my father, Sajjad, completed four Chicago Marathons.

Running was never something I imagined for myself. In fact, I never thought I’d willingly sign up for a marathon in my lifetime. But everything changed on February 18, 2013, when my father suffered an ischemic stroke. His right carotid artery dissected without warning, and he was rushed to Rush University Medical Center for emergency care. After being stabilized, he underwent a craniectomy to relieve the pressure around his brain.

What followed were months of hospital visits, physical and occupational therapy, and a long journey of recovery. My father is paralyzed on his left side, but his resilience is nothing short of extraordinary. Thanks to his strength and determination, he can now walk with a cane, climb stairs, eat independently, and never misses an episode of Wheel of Fortune. Despite everything, his spirit remains unshaken.

What still surprises me is that this happened to my dad—a marathon runner. Strokes don’t discriminate. They can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level or age. The cause of his stroke was never fully understood—likely a combination of stress and high blood pressure. As his only daughter, becoming one of his caregivers alongside my mom was a responsibility I took on without hesitation. Over the years, I’ve grown immensely from this experience, and I knew that when I was ready, both mentally and physically, I wanted to run the Chicago Marathon in dedication to him.

I’m running not just for myself, but for my dad—and for every stroke survivor who embodies strength and courage. I’ve chosen to run with the American Heart Association to raise awareness about strokes and support critical research. While I may not be the fastest runner, my goal is to spread awareness about the importance of acting “fast” for stroke treatment. Every mile I run, both in training and on race day, is fueled by my dad’s fortitude and perseverance.

Now it’s my turn to honor you—I'll cross that finish line for us, Dad. See you there! ♥