2025 Live Like Roo Foundation Marathon Team

I am honored to be running the 2025 Chicago Marathon for The Live Like Roo Foundation again. I initially planned to run in memory of Kosar and Denver. Kosar was our rescue one-eyed pitbull that was diagnosed with cancer in December 2021 and sadly passed away in March 2022. Denver was our Bengal cat who we lost to cancer in October of 2018. That changed in December 2024 when I found a lump on Thome, our rescue pittie mix and my running buddy. He was diagnosed with mast cell cancer and underwent surgery to remove the mass in January 2025. 

It's a stressful experience filled with uncertainty when your furry family member has cancer. It is humbling to again have the opportunity to help others whose pets are battling cancer, too.

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.

Thome on the car ride home from surgery, January 2025

Thome with his Live Like Roo care package

Thome with his Live Like Roo tennis ball

Thome during his surgery recovery

 Kosar at Christmas in 2020

Denver in 2017

Kosar, cheering on the Puppy Bowl

Denver in 2018

Kosar in Cape Cod 2021