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 we’re featuring Jen Todino. Jen is a Special Education teacher and she told us about seeing the impact of SCC’s mission and how that ties in to her marathon goal:
My name is Jen and feel very lucky for the opportunity to run my sixth marathon with Special Children’s Charities! It allows me to combine some of my greatest passions: running, promoting inclusivity, and empowering children with special needs.
As a special education teacher, I’ve seen the positive impacts programs like the ones SCC sponsors has on my students. Having high quality programs that focus on physical and mental wellness for children not only supports children’s health, but also their social and emotional well being as well as academic success. What I love about SCC is it allows these types of programs to be accessible to all, regardless of differing abilities.
What makes Marathon Day so special is it represents all the core values of SCC: inclusivity, empowerment, community, inspiration and respect. Everyone deserves to experience these same feelings Marathon Day encompasses, and SCC helps to make that happen. I feel honored I get to support their mission one mile at a time!
Thank you so much to Jen 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: 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.
Marathon Monday: Jonathan Herrera
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.
Marathon Monday: Katherine Nappi
As a mom of two, this journey is also about showing my kids the power of inclusion, empowerment, and giving back.
Marathon Monday: Susan Hurren
I want to raise money and assist these people in getting to spend time doing what they love to do just like the rest of us.
Marathon Monday: Sam Mermelstein
his organization lives out Mason’s mission every day—uplifting, supporting, and empowering children with special needs. By taking on these 26.2 miles, I feel I am able to give back a small portion of the love Mason gave so freely to the world.
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.
