2026 Chicago Marathon

Hi, my name is Leslie, and I am honored to be running the Chicago 2026 Marathon with Team Live Like Roo in memory of my little Lucy and to bring awareness to such a special foundation.

We adopted Lucy from a shelter in 2019, and she quickly became our whole world. She was loyal, sweet, kind, and truly our whole heart. In 2024, she was diagnosed with Lymphoma a diagnosis that broke our hearts to pieces but we were determined to fight with her till the end. Beginning in September, every single Monday morning before going into work we drove three hours round trip so she could receive her chemotherapy. Though treatment only worked for a short time, those final months with her were incredibly hard, yet deeply meaningful. I hold on to those last months that we spent with her close to my heart. Lucy fought fearlessly until her last breath.

Live Like Roo Foundation means so much to me because they support families facing the overwhelming emotional and financial hardship of pet cancer, helping with treatment costs and thoughtful care packages when they’re needed most. I know firsthand how much that support can mean during those difficult times. 

As many of you may know running is a big part of my life. Running is more than a passion to me. It’s taught me resilience, discipline, and how to keep moving forward when things get hard. It’s provided me with a safe space when things got heavy and I am forever grateful for it. 

This race is dedicated for my Lucy girl, for Rocky, for every animal fighting cancer, and for every family doing everything they can for them. Every dollar raised will go directly towards helping a pet facing a cancer diagnosis as well as offering support to the family fighting with them. Thank you for helping me honor her, honor them and support this incredible cause. 🐾