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 Marathon Monday featured runner is Jayme Norris. Jayme is running her first Marathon and she shared what led her to Team SCC:
“I was someone that hated running when I was younger. I ran in sports to chase after something, but running for ‘no reason’ was absolutely unheard of to me. After having my first daughter in 2018, I was struggling to find a way to juggle being a new mom, working full-time, and working out. I decided to invest in a treadmill so I could easily exercise in my own home. What started out as ‘running to work out’ slowly turned into a new way of living. Today, running isn’t only a form of exercise. Running has now become my stress-relief, my entry into an amazing community, and my method of reminding myself I can do tough things each and every day!
Since 2018, I have worked up from not being able to run for 5 minutes straight, to signing up for local 5Ks, attempting 10Ks, and ultimately running 6 half-marathons. I am a very goal-driven person, so it only seemed natural to set myself the goal of running my first marathon! 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!
Not only am I a mother-runner, but I am also a full-time Pediatric Dentist. My career is built around working with children and empowering them to overcome challenges and fears that may come with their dental visits. Yes, I like working with teeth, but my true passion lies in reinforcing the confidence of these children and helping them learn their own strengths.
I am so honored to be running my FIRST marathon at the Chicago Marathon for Special Children’s Charities and to help raise awareness for their cause. I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to combine two major parts of my life: running and empowering children and others!”
Thank you so much to Jayme for being a part of our team! Support her effort by making a donation to her campaign today!
Read more stories from our Team SCC runners!
Marathon Monday: Tom Loranger
My marathon journey is important to me because I am trying to push myself and do hard things.
Marathon Monday: Sarah Hruska
I’m running so more kids like Sam get the chance to feel accepted—to be seen for who they are, not pushed aside for what they struggle with. I’m running so families don’t have to fight so hard just to find a place where their child belongs.
Marathon Monday: Talia Skollar
That’s why being part of Team Special Children’s Charities means so much to me—it’s a way to pair something I enjoy with a cause that’s personal, and to be part of something that truly makes an impact.
Marathon Monday: Maria Mergal
Having people in my life with different abilities, I’ve seen firsthand how much it matters for everyone to have the resources and space to thrive. That’s exactly what this organization provides and it’s why this one feels personal.
Marathon Monday: Joey Cheung
This journey isn’t just about finishing a race — it’s about making a difference. Every mile I run is for something bigger than myself.
Thank you for helping me turn miles into meaningful impact.
Marathon Monday: Joseph Traskaski
Through out my life, I have always been a part of activities and events that are sponsoring children/young adults with special needs. I’ve noticed that throughout the years that the help, guidance, supplies, have only gone up in price for these families of children with special needs, and having these opportunities to raise money for these children and adults is one of the kindest things you can do.
