How ironic would it be if trying to cross something off your bucket list is the thing that actually kills you? In October 2025, I’ll be running my first-ever marathon, 26.2 miles through the streets of Chicago as a proud member of the Opportunity Knocks charity team. Am I built for this? Not particularly. But I’m doing it anyway for a cause that means the world to me. Opportunity Knocks is a local nonprofit that works with young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, known as Warriors, to help them design the lives they want to live. They don’t just support these individuals, they partner with them to co-create opportunities for connection, creativity, and community. This run is bigger than me. Every blister and training mile is a chance to support an incredible organization doing life-changing work right here in River Forest. So please donate. It’ll keep the Warriors moving—and me too (hopefully all the way to the finish line)!