A MESSAGE FROM Running for Bobby
My dad was my North Star. He was Mr. Dependable—the problem solver, my first coach, my mentor, my confidant, my biggest fan, and my best friend.
He is the reason I am who I am today. He taught me to work hard, set goals, be relentless, and always finish what you start. He also played a major role in shaping my sarcasm, and for that I will forever be grateful.
His stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis shattered our family. Overnight, everything changed. The man who had always been our anchor—our fixer, our safety net—was suddenly fighting the most brutal, unforgiving battle of his life. Watching him endure it was devastating, but he fought every single day with everything he had.
Before he started chemo, we made a deal: we would do the hard things together. His was chemo, diet, and exercise so he can watch me run Chicago. Mine was running the Berlin and Chicago Marathons two weeks apart. In my mind: what’s 52.4 miles compared to what he was about to go through?
So here I am, finishing what we started. I’ll be running Berlin and, more importantly, the Chicago Marathon while raising money for pancreatic cancer research through Project Purple.
Those who know me know I’ve always said, “I am my father’s daughter.” That comes with a deep discomfort in asking for help—but if doing so can help prevent even one family from experiencing what ours did, it’s worth it. Any amount truly helps.
I hope I make you proud, Bobby.
