Last Update: 10/15/26
All You Need is Love...
$26,210 Donated
(inclusive of 2 pallets of diapers from @Mariano's)
Thank you to everyone who dug down and donated dollars. This will provide over 100,000 fresh, clean diapers!
Last request, please keep building awareness for this issue of Diaper Insecurity.
Ps - Pretty cool the number was $26.2K for 26.2 Miles!
UPDATE 8/28:
Only 44 days to the start & finish!
Starting the Marathon and finishing the fundraising for 'Diaper Insecurity.' The support has been overwhelming, generous and heartfelt...truly amazing! During this very hot and humid training season, the cause has really kept me going - slowly to be sure. Yet, a pace or time is not the point, the goal is the $20,000 to be raised.
As you can see, there is still room left for your contribution. The dollars donated so far equates to nearly 70,000 fresh, clean diapers! (take a bow if you've contributed). We do need more, the Diaper Depot reports the need is far greater than ever, with more parents showing up in need of diapers.
Awareness if part of the mission, but the immediate need is physical diapers.
Onwards...thanks again!
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I’m running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 12th to raise $20,000 to fight Diaper Insecurity!
The joy of welcoming a new grandchild—and the generous education from a dear friend—opened my eyes to the heartbreaking issue of diaper insecurity.
Now, I’m taking action! And I invite you to join me.
Many of us have been fortunate enough to provide diapers for our children and grandchildren without worry. But millions of families in our own communities face a different reality. Diaper insecurity is a silent crisis impacting families across the country.
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In 2024, 46% of families with children under 4 who wear diapers reported some level of diaper insecurity.
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Nearly 5 million children are affected nationwide—approximately 450,000 in Illinois alone.
What is diaper insecurity?
It’s when a parent or caregiver cannot afford to provide a clean diaper each time a child needs changing. Imagine making that decision every day. In these situations, families may:
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Use paper towels
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Dump, dry, and reuse soiled diapers
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Leave children in soiled diapers for unhealthy lengths of time
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Use plastic grocery bags or even newspapers
The consequences for children are severe, and the emotional toll on parents is just as devastating—leading to anxiety, depression, and, in some cases, child neglect.
The average cost of diapers is $1,200–$1,500 per child per year—and that's only if buying in bulk, which many families cannot afford. Often, parents must choose between diapers and other basic needs like food. Why not cloth diapers? Many families in need rely on laundromats which typically do not allow for soiled diapers.
That’s why I’ve partnered with Diaper Depot, a diaper bank project of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Diaper Depot collects and distributes diapers to families in need throughout its service network—and every dollar raised will go directly to this work.
My goal is to raise $20,000—enough to provide nearly 80,000 clean, fresh diapers.
Your support—whether through a donation or by sharing this page—will make a meaningful difference for struggling families.
Running from Grant Park to Diaper Access!
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for joining me in helping families keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy.
*Chicago Catholic Charities is 501 (c)(3), Tax ID: 36-2170821
