A MESSAGE FROM Louisa's 2022 Chicago Marathon for CASA
When I started running in 2013 and could barely run a mile without stopping, I set a goal of becoming strong enough to finish a whole marathon. As a born and raised New Yorker, I obviously wanted my first 26.2 experience to be in my city, so after years of mediocre training and deferring my registration, I ran the 2019 NYC Marathon! In the hours of delirium that immediately followed crossing the finish line, I decided my new goal was to complete every race in the World Marathon Majors, so I registered for the 2020 Chicago Marathon. I don't think I need to explain why that didn't go as planned.
Two years later... the world has changed, I've moved across the country to Los Angeles, and I've decided that it's time to get back to that crazy idea of running the Big Six!
Chicago was next on my list in the Before Times, and this October 9th I'll be checking it off at last.
Race registration for marathons is generally only guaranteed if you're an elite runner (surprise, I'm not) or if you sign up to raise money for a partnering charity foundation. To earn my spot in the race, I've joined Team CASA and committed to raising $2,500 for CASA of Cook County.
Team CASA members use the incredible experience of training for and running one of the world's largest marathons to raise awareness and funds for the most vulnerable individuals in society -- children in the foster care system who have experienced abuse and/or neglect.
As a member of this team running the 2022 Chicago Marathon, I'm raising funds to ensure a child in foster care in Chicago has one consistent, caring adult by their side while everything else in their life changes--foster homes, schools, case workers, judges, and even lawyers. That one reliable adult is a CASA volunteer who provides critical, evidence-based advocacy that is proven to change the story for children in foster care.
It costs CASA of Cook County $2,500 to serve one child for a year. Will you be on my team as I raise money and train for Team CASA? A donation of any amount will help me reach my goal!
