Register for the Children’s Memorial Marathon Team

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You must be registered for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon to register for our team.

Why Run for the Children’s Memorial Marathon Team?

As a member of the Children’s Memorial Marathon Team you are helping to ensure a brighter future for the more than 140,000 sick children treated each year at Children’s Memorial Hospital, a place of hope and healing for over 125 years.

You also become a valued member of a special group of runners like Peggy Portelli. Now in her fourth year as a member of the hospital’s marathon team, Peggy has a special incentive for running: it’s her way of giving back to the hospital that has made such a difference in the life of her daughter, Rosie.

Eight-year-old Rosie has both a rare genetic disorder and an autoimmune condition that requires the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of Children’s Memorial specialists. She faces multiple challenges due to parathyroid, kidney and intestinal diseases, and also has arthritis and diabetes. Despite these challenges, Rosie is a happy, active child who loves school, swimming and Hannah Montana.

Born deaf, Rosie is able to hear thanks to the cochlear implant she received at Children’s Memorial. Because of her ability to hear and speak, little Rosie saved her mom’s life after Peggy passed out at home due to a diabetic reaction. Rosie was able to call 911, and medical assistance arrived within minutes. “If it wasn’t for Rosie, I don’t know if I would be here today,” says Peggy.

During the marathon, Peggy says she receives inspiration by thinking of Rosie and the other children treated at Children’s Memorial. “Running a marathon is grueling,” she says. “But running for such a good cause makes it all worthwhile.”