This year, I’m running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of Team Morton Arboretum—a place that holds a special place in my heart. Nature has always been my refuge. During the hardest moments of my life, especially through the ups and downs of my cancer diagnosis, trees, nature, and all living things became my source of healing. Walking among the trees, feeling the earth beneath my feet, and taking in the stillness of nature helped me clear my mind, find strength, and ground myself when everything else felt uncertain. The Morton Arboretum isn’t just a place of beauty—it’s a place of hope and resilience, much like the journey I’ve been on. Its mission to protect and preserve trees and our natural world inspires me to give back. By running this marathon and raising funds, I’m supporting their incredible work to conserve trees and provide education about the natural world for generations to come. This marathon is more than just a race for me—it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and the power of nature to heal. Every mile I run, and every dollar raised, is a way to honor the role nature has played in my healing and to give back to a place that has given so much to me. I hope you’ll join me on this journey by supporting my fundraising efforts. Together, we can protect our planet, its trees, and the healing power of nature for everyone.