2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

💜 Running for the tiniest fighters — and for my son, Nolan 💜

This year, I am deeply honored to be running the Chicago Marathon as part of the March of Dimes team.

My journey with March of Dimes began when my son, Nolan, was born prematurely at 30 weeks. I was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and had to have an emergency C-section — it was truly a matter of life or death for both of us.

Nolan entered the world weighing 3 pounds, 8 ounces, and soon dropped to just 3 pounds. He spent 42 days (6 weeks)in the Children’s Hospital Minnesota NICU, fighting for his life every single day. Watching him in that incubator, covered in wires and tubes, was the hardest thing I’ve ever endured.

After coming home, I was diagnosed with postpartum depression and PTSD. Those early months were a blur of sleepless nights, fear, and survival — both his and mine.

When Nolan turned two, I knew I needed to find myself again. I turned back to running by joining a run club- something I had always loved. In that first year, I lost 60 pounds, came off all anxiety and depression medications, and found my strength, confidence, and joy again through movement and community.

Today, Nolan is 8 years old, happy, healthy, and thriving — and he’s even a little runner himself! 🏃‍♂️💙 I, myself, am the healthiest, happiest, and best version of myself for my amazing family! 

Since 2018, our family has joined the March for Babies walk every year. But this year is different. In 2026, I’m taking on 26.2 miles for all the babies born too soon, too small, too sick — for the moms and families who endure the NICU journey — and especially for my little fighter, Nolan.

Every mile I run and every dollar raised helps March of Dimes continue their vital work — supporting research, advocacy, and programs that give every baby the best possible start.

👉 Your donation makes a difference. Whether it’s $5, $25, or $100, your support helps families like mine through some of the hardest days of their lives.

Thank you for believing in this cause and running beside me in spirit. 💜