2026 Chicago Marathon

This will be my 3rd year running for Team Roo!

In 2026, Live Like Roo is celebrating their 10th year of assisting families who have had a pet with a cancer diagnosis. I have had the honor of volunteering with this organization for several years now, doing everything from tying blankets for care packages, to photographing pizza parties and end of life sessions.

In 2025, my family became Roo recipients when our 15 year old cat, Chainsaw, unexpectedly passed from cancer. Just a few months after, my soul dog, Zissou, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. In both situations, Sarah and Live Like Roo didn't hesitate to offer support. From checking in, financially supporting  our medical bills, sending us cute jammies for testing days, providing emotional support through the facebook support group and pet loss community services... every single angle of support had been thoughtfully curated and implemented. To say that we felt supported was an understatement, and the relief we have personally found from having that additional support has allowed us to fully embrace this time and make the most of every day we have left with Zissou.

I have always loved this organization, meeting the people that make it happen, and seeing how it has impacted so many families. Now that we find ourselves in the same shoes as so many families and pets I've gotten to meet, I understand more deeply the weight a cancer diagnosis can add to a family.

My boy's cancer is not curable- but thanks to Live Like Roo, we are able to make him more comfortable and improve his quality of life while he is still here. We are also able to enjoy that time more knowing we have the support that we do.

Please join me in raising funds to help Live Like Roo continue their mission of supporting animals and their people during a very difficult time.