City: Geneva, Illinois

Profession: High School Librarian

Fundraising Goal: $1,000

Race Goal (time/just finish!): Under 5 hours

What is your connection to U2FP? My husband's cousin is Jake Beckstrom (U2FP's CAN Manager). At the age of 16, Jake had a diving accident in a backyard pool and sustained a spinal cord injury. I am excited for this challenge and opportunity to fundraise for a great cause! 

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed? First marathon, but after watching the Chicago marathon, I have always wanted to run it. I have completed a handful of other half marathons in Chicago and Champaign.

What do you crave after a long run? Ice chips and a cinnamon crunch bagel from Panera

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what? Taylor Swift and 90’s/2000’s rap on repeat!

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon? I’m most excited to complete the race with my husband, sister, and sister-in-law and to experience the race day energy from the spectators and other runners.

An interesting fact about yourself or anything else you’d like to share: I had my second daughter, Claire, this January, so I feel like I have a long way to go in terms of training, but I am determined to finish the race!

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis is proud to once again be a charity partner for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2022! Help support U2FP’s initiatives to accelerate curative treatments for those living with Spinal Cord Injuries. Team U2FP members have raised nearly $200,000 in the past few years. Thank you for your support to advance research towards a cure for spinal cord injury!