This year, I’ll be running my first half marathon, not just as a personal challenge, but for a cause that means a great deal to me. As a proud first responder and an active member of the 100th Club of Illinois, I am raising $500 to support their mission.

In my nine years as a police officer, I’ve had coworkers who were shot at, shot, and even killed in the line of duty. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply these tragedies impact the families left behind. That experience is what pushed me to take on this challenge and run for something bigger than myself.

The 100th Club of Illinois is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the families of first responders who have been killed in the line of duty, while also providing critical resources to those still serving across our state. They offer financial assistance, training opportunities, and ongoing support to help families navigate unimaginable loss and to ensure active-duty first responders have the tools and backing they need.

Every mile I run is in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and for the families who continue forward without them. Your donation won’t just support my fundraiser, it will go directly toward helping a first responder’s family who has lost a loved one in the line of duty.

Any support truly makes a difference.