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: Maggie Nolan, Kathleen Mixan Vari and Moira Mixan
We have spent countless holidays and vacations together, and while we know how to have fun, we also love lacing up our shoes and going for a run, even on vacation mornings after long days.
Marathon Monday: Ethan Schwartz
Every mile I run is for Emma—and for families like hers who face these challenges with love, hope, and strength.
Marathon Monday: Cintia Souza
My goal in this project goes beyond just fundraising. I want to help build a better future for our society.
Marathon Monday: Mike Gaytan
No matter how chaotic our lives get, Mike can always find the time to maintain his dedication, even when most would give up.
Marathon Monday: Iris Pegeron
I chose Special Children’s Charities because their mission—to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities—mirrors what running gives me: strength, confidence, and connection
Marathon Monday: Tricia Resetar
I know firsthand the challenges, heartbreaks, small victories, and strength it takes to navigate this journey — not just for the children, but for their families as well.
