Miles For Miles & CBTF Chicago Marathon

I've never wanted to run a marathon. I can do it. I've learned that over the past year. But I never wanted to do it. Until recently, when my son was diagnosed with a Grade 1 Pilocytic Astrocytoma, which is a pediatric low-grade glioma. A brain tumor.

For the last year, I've watched my 9-year-old son Miles endure a lot of stuff he hasn't wanted to do. A brain surgery, chemotherapy, weekly trips to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. He's made friends with a pediatric neuro-oncologist. We're friends with a childhood cancer doc. Those words are hard to swallow. But we are. We don't want to be friends, but we are. We're doing the things we don't want to and learning that we can do it.

That's because people and organizations are dedicating their time and energy to give families like ours hope. The Children's Brain Tumor Foundation has been one of these organizations that has encouraged us along the way, giving us a glimpse into other survivors lives and reminding us we're not alone in this journey. In 2024, I advocated through the CBTF for more brain cancer research in Congress.

This journey has put us in many difficult situations, and yet we're learning we can do it. So I'm running the Chicago Marathon in 2025 for a few reasons. First, it's the city I love and grew up in. It's home for me. Second, it's where my son Miles was born. Third, I want to raise funds and awareness for families like mine and kids like Miles. If he can handle this brain tumor with the attitude of a champion, I can absolutely crush some miles on his behalf.

It's a real honor for me to participate in the CBTF endurance team this year and raise money for this incredible foundation.

Please consider donating to support the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF) and its essential work!