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: Marian Boyd
“His optimism and general zest for life inspires me every day to wake up be grateful for the life I lead and the abilities I have.”
Marathon Monday: Andrew Lewinski
“Thank you to Special Children’s Charities for all that you do for the community, and thank you again for giving me this amazing opportunity to be part of the Chicago Marathon.”
Marathon Monday: Nathan McDonald
“I look to continue my journey of the world major marathons abroad in years to come while fundraising for charities that I’m passionate about.”
Marathon Monday: Hilari Williams
“I’m often in awe of what my body has accomplished so far, and I hope along the way, my son is learning that we can do hard things, we can overcome obstacles, and we can do it with love and a smile.”
Marathon Monday: Amanda Younggreen
“26.2 miles in memory of Clayton—bringing joy and confidence to anyone at any ability level.”
Marathon Monday: Sophia Poirier
“I’ve seen how important inclusion, resources, and community support are for individuals and their families, and I’m proud to run for an organization that helps make those opportunities possible.”
