Hi! I’m Anna Durso, and I’m honored to be running the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in support of the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF)!
A little about me…
This foundation holds a deeply personal place in my heart. In April 2022, I was a seemingly healthy and happy 20-year-old student at the University of Georgia, living my best college life. I was taking care of myself, working out regularly, getting excited for my 21st birthday, and enjoying everything that comes with being in college - new friendships, Greek life events, and preparing to study abroad in London. I was truly thriving physically, mentally, and academically.
A few weeks before my 21st birthday, everything quickly changed. I became ill with headaches, nausea, fever, and dizziness. Within three days, I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor that needed to be surgically removed. I was forced to move home for the remainder of my junior year and undergo a craniotomy. I spent my 21st birthday at Emory University Hospital and underwent surgery the next morning. Although the surgery was successful, I struggled with double vision, mobility issues, hearing loss, and basic motor function due to the tumor pressing on three surrounding nerves.
During that time, I remember being asked how I was coping and people praising my strength. My family felt as though their world had been overturned, yet I tried to remain strong while facing the most life-shaking experience I had ever been through. One moment in particular shaped my perspective: early in my treatment, I saw a mother carrying her sick child into the cancer center. My heart dropped. I knew the darkness I was walking through - but I was an adult who could advocate for myself, express my pain, and understand what was happening. That child couldn’t. That sweet, innocent child would have to endure what I knew would be some very dark days ahead. I realized I was the lucky one. That moment changed me and deepened my compassion in ways I still carry with me today.
Throughout my own health crisis, I was given an incredible amount of love and compassion, and I made sure to offer the same to others. I encouraged everyone around me to strive to be their best selves, appreciate each day, and handle life’s battles with grace - because truly, what else could we do? Even though I was sick and scared, I remained positive and reminded myself and others that I could do hard things. I leaned on prayer, positivity, and gratitude which were essential for my healing. I laughed with my nurses and doctors, my parents brought them Starbucks on their morning shifts, and thanked them for everything they did for me. Don’t get me wrong - I was in exasperating pain at times and bed ridden for days, absolutely miserable and unhappy. But those hard times would come and go, and I would find my joy and grace again. I remember a nurse preparing to start an IV, and I thanked her. She laughed and asked why, seeing my bruised arms, tired veins, and tearful eyes. I told her I was thankful because she was helping me get better. I’ve always believed that maintaining a strong, fighter mindset, while also showing grace and compassion, is crucial during one’s hardest moments.
More than three years later, I'm healthy, thriving, and deeply grateful. Through time, physical therapy, and unwavering support, I made a full recovery without long-term complications. My vision, hearing, and mobility returned. I graduated from the University of Georgia with Honors, earned my MBA from the College of Charleston, and discovered strength through movement - both running and yoga - eventually becoming a certified yoga instructor.
Running, in particular, became meaningful to me in an unexpected way. For most of my life, I told myself, “I’m not a runner.” But after everything I had been through, I wanted to push myself to do something hard - something I once believed I couldn’t do. I began running not to prove anything, but to honor the ability to move, to heal, and to honor the body I'm truly blessed to be in.
Throughout training for my half marathon, especially on the hardest days, I reminded myself that I didn’t have to run - I was able to run. Crossing the finish line wasn’t about the distance; it was about gratitude, perspective, and running for someone who no longer could.
That is why I run. I run because I'm lucky. I run because my body healed. I run because so many children and families facing brain tumors don’t get the same outcome I did.
I'm running the 2026 Chicago Marathon to live out the motto I’ve carried since my surgery: “Do it for those who can’t.” For more than 35 years, the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation has supported children, survivors, and families facing pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors - providing year-round programs, community, and hope from diagnosis through survivorship and loss, while also advancing research through the Children’s Brain Tumor Network.
By supporting my run, you are helping ensure that children and families receive the care, resources, and compassion they deserve. Every mile I run is powered by gratitude and with purpose for those who are still fighting or are no longer here to fight.
Thank you for hearing my story, for donating, and for being part of this journey. 🤍
With love,
Anna
