This year, I am running in the Chicago Marathon on October 9th, 2022. I’ve competed in many races, but this one is particularly close to my heart because I will be running for a charity called Open Heart Magic. Open Heart Magic performs bedside magic tricks for hospitalized children. To support their mission, I am asking those who are willing and able to help me fundraise so that Open Heart Magic can continue their incredible mission of bringing laughter, hope, and strength to children who need it most.
There are a few reasons why I chose to support Open Heart Magic as I train for the Chicago Marathon:
1. I am grateful to call myself a long-distance runner!
Running has brought me so much joy throughout my lifetime. My appreciation for the sport grew even greater after suffering a serious knee injury a few years ago. Doctors told me that I may never run long-distance again, but after years of physical therapy, cross training, and a little bit of magic… I am once again a very grateful runner. Each day and each run is reminder of that gratitude, and I want to use my ability and love for running to raise awareness for a causes I believe in.
2. I am unabashedly obsessed with magic!
I can still remember attending my first magic show as a kid and being completely mesmerized. My euphoria must have been palpable, because soon afterwards, I was gifted my very own magic set. I cherished the feeling of joy that came with performing a trick--even if I did require my audience to close their eyes so I could make an object “disappear”. Sharing in a collective, magical experience brought so much laughter and happiness to my family.
3. I am passionate about the wellbeing of children!
In college, I interned on the pediatric floor of a hospital, caring for terminally and chronically ill children. I can’t recall a single day I left Cottage Hospital without tears streaming down my face and my heart absolutely breaking for these children and their families. Inevitably, there was so much fear and sadness in that hospital. However, my supervisor had the incredible gift of being able to walk into any patient’s room and fill it with warmth, laugher, and love. No matter how temporary, those small moments gave the children relief from the fear of their circumstances. Those moments meant everything.
I am still grateful for every long-distance run, still obsessed with magic, and still have a deep passion for the wellbeing of children.
I would be honored and humbled if you would join me in fundraising for Open Heart Magic so that they can continue giving children the gift of laughter and hope in the midst of fear. With wands in hand and magic in heart, we will help fill hospitals with happiness.
With sincere gratitude,
Clarissa
