By running the Chicago Marathon on October 8th, 2023, I've committed to raising awareness and funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association®.

This event is a profoundly personal mission for me.  I lost my dad on July 19th after an over seven-year battle with vascular dementia.   I feel like this devastating disease took away my parent's golden years of retirement.  His grandchildren will miss his presence for countless milestones in their lives. This disease took my hero, mentor and lifelong friend.  It has forever altered my universe and I miss my dad terribly every day.  

It was an incredible gift to be his daughter, and while there is tremendous grief in this loss, I know that he lived even his most difficult days with no regrets. He lived a big life full of love, hope, laughter and purpose- and he encouraged me (and those who knew him) to live on in the very same way.   

To honor my dad's indomitable spirit, I am raising funds towards finding a cure for Alzheimer's and other dementia diseases.  My dad was an immutable inspiration to me and to so many others he knew. He helped countless people throughout his lifetime and joining the ALZ Stars was an easy thing to say yes to when the opportunity presented itself.  

As for the marathon part....well. Those who knew my dad can appreciate that he never did anything half-assed.

So, here I am.  I will be training over the next year in preparation for the 45th running of the Chicago Marathon. 

I hope you'll consider joining me throughout this journey! I will be sharing updates throughout my training on Instagram @running_for_rick.  

Please support my efforts by making a donation. All funds raised benefit the Alzheimer's Association and its work to enhance care and support programs and advance research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's disease.  Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease!