I am a US Navy Veteran and former Law Enforcement Officer who is running and raising money to support Team Lemon. As a former healthcare worker, LEO and Government employee please take the time to read my story.  

(10/13/2024- The United States Navy's Birthday!!)- I will be running in the Chicago Marathon in Honor of Charlotte Frank.  (On 10/12/2024, the day before the Chicago Marathon, I will also run the chicago 5k to fight the struggle of those children and individuals who battle disease and disability each day).

Charlotte, a Copeland Manor student, had a fall during soccer in mid-October which led to increasing back pain in the coming days and weeks, sleepless nights, x-rays and other routine testing. After another sleepless night and no answers to what was causing Charlotte’s increased pain, her doctor recommended they head to Lurie’s Children's Hospital in Chicago for more testing on November 13, 2022. After an MRI in the ER that night, a large mass was detected near Charlotte’s spine. More tests the following days confirmed that the mass was a rare type cancer that affects mostly children.

Charlotte had a quiet strength and a quick-witted sense of humor. Along with her gorgeous wide smile and determination in everything she does, she battled hard to overcome childhood cancer.  Ultimately the Lord took her to early and she was sent to Heaven in 2022.  Charlotte has been remembered throughout our community in several ways, to include candle lit neighborhood ceremonies, school spirit events, wearing purple, ribbons around the trees, prayers, school and family donations, etc.  Her smile, and love will never be forgotten.  Charlotte is my reason this 2024 year to run on the Navy's Birthday for all those children, families and friends that have to fight everyday struggles.  May we please find a cure to end this terrible disease. 

 (Former Team Lemon- Chicago Marathon- My reason Why)

A beautiful Angel was sent to Heaven on 9/24/2022. I am honored to have family support to raise awareness, help another child and fundraise through Alex Lemonade Stand for the Chicago Bank of America Marathon. In honor of my former boss’s daughter, Rylie "Hopie" Mogan, I joined Team Lemon to help Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation move one step closer to finding a cure for all children with cancer! 

Rylie's spirit and determination inspired others to do their best and she wanted to live life to the fullest. Rylie wanted no one to know she was ill in her final year of life. Rylie didn’t want a handout or sympathy; she didn’t want to be treated or looked at any differently than a healthy child. She wanted to inspire, teach others, dream, and achieve her goals until her last breath. Rylie battled each day, and her life was taken too soon in September 2022. God received a gift, another angel with a glowing halo. Rylie’s inspirational story and never give up attitude has given me the determination to fight for this cause. I am empowered by the stories from her family and friends about this remarkable, beautiful, young woman. 

I believe that health is your most important asset and greatest wealth in life. You never will know what hand you were dealt with so make sure you take care of yourself, dream big, and fight harder. Take each day "one cup at a time" as I will be “one mile at a time” setting a recovery goal from my recent ablation and fusion back surgeries in 2023, and previous microdisectomy's 2021/2022.  As a mother to six children, I get to teach them and see them as they smile, laugh, grow, fight, win, lose, cry, pray and LOVE. The struggle in life is real and everyday children and adults hide behind their fears. It's time to come out, stand tall, and push yourself to do better. Like Rylie, I ask that you challenge yourself, learn something new and Love even harder. 

When I attended Rylie's calling hours, I had never had my heart drop like it did for a child who suffered health issues. My eyes had never been opened further and I hadn’t thought or sympathized with such heartbreak to lose an innocent child at a young age. Each person is born uniquely. Each person can focus their mind and set goals and dreams. So many children must fight two, three, four times harder, not by choice or a known reason, but to make the next day a possibility. But YOU can make it happen. 

Thank you for reading my story, my reasons, and my why. If you can PLEASE spare a donation to help me raise my entry into the Chicago Marathon, you are helping another child with cancer possibly heal faster. Your donation is paying for research to find better treatments and cures for childhood cancer. Please help these innocent kids and their families by providing desperately needed HOPE! Your donation is tax deductible 501 (c) 3. Thank you again for your time and your support! Come see me on 10/12/2024 (5K) and 10/13/2024 at the finish line in Chicago!!!