2025 Live Like Roo Foundation Marathon Team

When I signed up to do the 2025 Chicago Marathon, I had the choice of picking a charity to raise money for. As I was scrolling through the list of qualifying non-profits, I knew the instant I saw the mission behind Life Like Roo, that was it. Live Like Roo is a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides support and financial assistance to families whose pets have been diagnosed with cancer, and I’m really thrilled to announce that they are my charity partner for the 2025 Chicago Marathon. 

If you have ever gone through a cancer diagnosis with pet, you know how difficult the emotional and financial toll can be. 

The Live Like Roo Foundation provides financial assistance to help cover healthcare costs related to cancer treatment

They also provide hotel rooms, care packages, and funds to cover care for dogs with cancer that don’t have forever homes — dogs in shelters, rescues, or foster homes. and they provide grants for end-of-life pet care, like animal hospice, palliative care, and humane euthanasia. hey even have a fund for cats with cancer, 

And it’s not just what they do that caught my heart; it was the story behind it. Live Like Roo was founded by Sarah Lauch after her journey with a special dog named Roosavelt. Shortly after she adopted him from the Chicago Animal Care and Control in 2015, he was diagnosed with cancer. Sarah made a bucket list for Roo to make the most of the time he had left. 

Thousands followed Roo’s story, and after he crossed the rainbow bridge, Sarah started the Live Like Roo Foundation to honor the dog she loved.

That is why I am running the 2025 Chicago Marathon for Live Like Roo. 

Help me reach my goal of raising $2,100 for Live Like Roo by clicking the link in the shows notes. 

I am asking for donations in tiers. 

-Give $10 and I will read the name of your pet at the end of the show

-Give $20 and I will read the anime of your pet and a short dedication to them at the end of the show.

-$50 supporters and I will include your pets and face on my race day shirt, along with those of others who have supported at that level. 

But really, my gratitude is a consolation prize to knowing you will be helping bring relief and peace to families who are saying goodbye to their beloved pets as they cross over the rainbow.