Anyone that knows me knows that animals (and dogs, specifically) have always held an incredibly special place in my heart. When the opportunity came to combine my more newly found love of running with the support of an organization like Live Like Roo, I was sold. Oh, and all in a place I used to call home. Chicago. Let's. Goooooo.
On dogs: This is still difficult to write about, but a few months ago we lost Dakota, our beautiful, brilliant, and curious Cockapoo after 17 amazing years by our side. We were fortunate that she was incredibly healthy for most of that time. We were equally fortunate that we had the means to keep her comfortable and well cared for in her final months. Had we not, where would we have turned? Enter Live like Roo, who assists animals through a cancer diagnosis by providing financial and emotional support to their owners. A noble cause if there ever was one.
On running: Even as a lifelong and collegiate athlete, I never enjoyed just "running." At the same time, my love of competition and sport has never waned. Thanks to some fortunate circumstances, the local NYC running community grabbed my attention and has transformed my interest and love (or love/hate) with the sport over the past 18 months. I've now run five half marathons (in five states), actively participate in two running groups/clubs, and as someone who said they'd "never run a marathon" has ambitious goals for Chicago and still feel like I'm just getting started.
On Chicago: Growing up a suburban kid in Michigan, even at a young age, the first time I laid eyes on the Chicago skyline I knew I was destined for "the city." I already loved Michael Jordan (in secret) as a Bad Boys Pistons fan. But I was drawn to the lights, the energy, the people, the architecture, and the lake that looked like an ocean. In 2007, Kristi and I made our way to Chicago and it was everything we'd hoped. While our careers took us elsewhere, and we aren't shy about our love for NYC as 12-year residents, the 2024 Chicago Marathon still feels like a homecoming of sorts.
If you've read this far, thank you. Any donation, big or small, is hugely appreciated. For those local or traveling in, I'm eager to see you in Chicago. Trust I will be ready to give everything I have for what I hope is the first of many marathons, for the great city of Chicago, and mostly, for the loving dogs in need that will now get the help they deserve!
--
About Live Like Roo: The Live Like Roo Foundation started in 2015 when a shelter dog named "Sisqo" captured the heart of Sarah, our Executive Director. When he was rescued and renamed "Roosevelt" (Roo) and undergoing a medical exam, they found cancer. It was terminal. He was given a bucket list and lived like a king for 6 months. Many people followed his journey and Sarah was inspired to help others in his honor. Since 2016, we have granted over $2.3 million dollars for pets and rescue animals with a cancer diagnosis and sent 5500 cancer care packages. We hope that everyone, sick or not, lives every day like it is your last. Live Like Roo.
Donor Wall7
Maria Flores
Katharine Scanlon | $104.15
For all the dakotas and graces out there!
Julia Morrissey | $104.15
Sharon | $100
Mandy | $25
Susan Wagner | $259.55
Anonymous | $200