The idea of running the Chicago Marathon began after running the 2019 Hot Chocolate 15k with my son Josh and a good friend. Josh and I made a deal then, that we would run a full marathon before I turned 50, and I turn 50 next February. Running was something Josh grew to love through high school and into college. He ran track for 4 years and cross country for 3 years in high school, and track his freshman year at Carthage College.
Unfortunately, last April we suddenly lost Josh to heart disease, Acute Myocarditis. At the time, I had no idea what this was, how it was caused or how one contracts it. Since his passing I have done research and discovered that although it is a rare heart disease, young male adults are at a higher risk of contracting it. The loss of a child is something no parent should ever have to endure. His loss has been very difficult for everyone who knew him and we miss Joshie everyday!
I am running to honor my son and the agreement we made as well as to draw attention to this horrible disease. Please help me reach my fundraising goal and support the AHA in their fight against heart disease.
