I should start by saying that 2024 was a year that almost broke me. However, after the excision surgery for endometriosis in November 2024, when I lost a few organs so that doctors could entangle my bowels and put them back in place, I started to get better. That was just the beginning of the new Milica! 

Since the surgery, I gained back some weight, I am not in pain anymore, I have wild emotional triggers, I partied some, and finally cut back on partying, and now it is time for me to get back to my sporty and outdoors adventures and RUN A MARATHON!! So, please help me do that! 

As I was deciding what charity to raise $$ for, I saw CASA of Cook County. I remember my sorority sister, Taylor, who has worked for CASA for the last 15 years. The stories that she would tell were emotional, incredibly human, and painfully real. She still works for CASA in Neenah, Wisconsin. So, that seemed like the fitting cause. 

 If you are unfamiliar with CASA, please read below. They help children in foster care. 

 I can only hope that participating in this humbling experience, and doing it to attempt to help at least one other human being, will remind me to be and stay grateful. 

 Thank you. Milica 

 🌟 **Become a Beacon of Hope for CASA of Cook County!** 🌟 

 Every child deserves a voice and a future where they can thrive. At CASA of Cook County, we empower volunteers to advocate for children caught in the tangled web of the court and foster care systems. But we can't do it alone. By donating today, you become a crucial part of a child's journey to a safer, happier life. Your gift ensures that every child has a dedicated advocate to champion their needs and dreams. Stand with us—transform lives one child at a time. Every dollar makes a difference! 💖 Click to donate and change a life now!