Every Monday we celebrate the runners who have joined Team Special Children’s Charities for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
This incredible team is using their miles to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago. We are so grateful for their dedication and generosity!
This week’s featured runner is Antonio Hernandez. Antonio told us that the marathon is a key part of a longer journey for him, and why he decided to join Team Special Children’s Charities:
“I wanted to share a bit of my running journey and why I chose to join Team SCC.
Running has completely changed my life. When I made the decision to get sober, running became the anchor that helped me through that journey. Every mile reminded me that I was moving forward, building strength and clarity I never thought I’d find.
I officially started my running journey this past January, and just a month later in February, I ran my very first 5K. From that moment on, I fell in love with the sport, the challenge, the discipline, and the sense of accomplishment. That spark grew into something bigger, and I decided to set my sights on a marathon. Since then, I’ve been locked in, dedicating myself to training and pushing my limits.
When I began looking into running for a cause, I knew I wanted to be part of something that made a real difference. I did my research on charities and was drawn to the impact of those that support children. That’s when I found Team SCC, and it couldn’t have been a better fit. Supporting children with special needs deeply resonates with me, their resilience inspires me to keep going, both in running and in life.
Running has given me so much, and joining Team SCC felt like the perfect way to give back. It connects my passion for running with a cause that truly changes lives, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
Thank you to Antonio for sharing your story and for making our cause a part of your journey! Support him by making a donation to his campaign today.
Read more stories from our Team SCC runners!

Marathon Monday: Katie Poole
Running has given me more than just miles – it’s given me a powerful community, a way to process grief, and the power of showing up for something bigger than myself.

Marathon Monday: Laila Robateau
When children and adults with disabilities are given the chance to learn, play, and connect, it transforms not only their lives but also the lives of their families and communities.

Marathon Monday: Antonio Hernandez
Running has given me so much, and joining Team SCC felt like the perfect way to give back.

Marathon Monday: Luis Ortiz
Knowing first hand what having a special need child is, he knew he wanted to run for kids and when he saw everything SCC does he knew it was the perfect charity to run with and has been so inspired and moved by everything SCC does for the community.

Marathon Monday: Carson Haslinger
Every donation means the world to me because I know it’s going to help people like Cole stay active, connected, and part of something bigger.

Marathon Monday: Jayme Norris
It is my hope that my journey with running can help others (especially my 3 daughters) see they are able to do anything they put their minds to!



