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 Maria Mergal. Maria told us about the journey to becoming a marathon runner and how running for a cause has helped her overcome the challenges of training.
“Last year I went from barely running 2 miles to finishing the NYC Marathon. Honestly, I did not enjoy running before that. It took a lot of discipline and pushing through some really uncomfortable moments, but I did it, and that meant everything to me. What I didn’t expect was how much that discipline would carry over into other parts of my life. Showing up when things get hard has become something I can actually do now, not just something I aspire to. Now I’m taking on Chicago, and while the training hasn’t been as smooth this time around, this cause makes it worth showing up anyway.
This time, I’m running with Bri, my college roommate. Even though we’re in different cities now (she’s in Boston and I’m in NYC), training for this marathon together has kept us close and given us a mutual goal to work towards across state lines. It’s been one of those unexpected gifts that comes from committing to something hard.
I’m running with Special Children’s Charities, which has been working since 1969 to create inclusion and opportunity for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across all 77 Chicago neighborhoods. Having spent time as a middle school teacher, and 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.”
Thank you so much to Maria 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.
