A MESSAGE FROM Lace Up to End Pancreatic Cancer
On October 11, 2026 I will be tackling the Chicago Marathon with Project Purple to help with the fight for a world without pancreatic cancer.
One of my dearest and most treasured friends, Roda Connell, has been battling pancreatic cancer since 2024. She is a wife, mother, friend and now a warrior and fighter. It is for her, and anyone who has lost someone to this terrible disease, is fighting themselves, or who is walking side by side with someone they love on the front lines, that I am taking on this challenge.
Now your part is easy (no running needed!). I have committed to raising $3,500 to support this important cause and have pledged to match ever dollar donated personally up to $2,620. And because I have 26.2 on the brain, I am asking all of you to make a donation of at least $26.20, just a dollar per mile, to help me get closer to my goal. All you need to do is click on the donate button above.
Just in case you need a few more reasons, below please find the Top 10 Reasons to Donate:
1.) You can sleep late on October 11th and still raise money for cancer research. I have to run 26.2 miles.
2.) Pancreatic cancer’s 5 year survival rate in this country is a mere 13%, the lowest among major cancers, with almost 75% of patients diagnosed at stage 3 or later. Early detection methods and curative treatments remain elusive. Your donation goes direct to fund this much needed research.
3.) My pain is your gain, as your donation goes directly to combat a disease that one day could affect you or a loved one, if you don't already know someone.
4.) To guarantee that I will have a legitimate reason to complain about all my aches and pains for the next 9 months.
5.) Make a donation in someone's name and I will wear their name to honor them too on race day.
6.) I can promise that I run better than the government.
7.) Your donation is tax deductible.
8.) By the time of race day, I will have run over 500 miles to train, consumed 900 oz. of Gatorade, gone through 2 pairs of running shoes and listened to "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" 90 times. All you need to do is donate.
9.) For a donation, I’ll let you pick a song for my playlist. Want me to run to “Baby Shark” for four hours? Fine, it will cost you.
10.) Finally, your donation also goes to provide support and resources to patients and their family members. Cancer is overwhelming, for both patients and for their caregivers. Your donation provides financial aid and other day-to-day support to those who need it the most.
