In 2004, residents of the low-income and primarily Latino neighborhood of Little Village came together to address the critical lack of accessible health services on the Southwest Side of Chicago. Realizing that thousands of residents lacked quality medical services and relied on the emergency department for routine care, they decided to open a primary care clinic on South California Avenue and name it Esperanza, the Spanish word for hope.

Today, with seven sites and a team of more than 400 dedicated staff, Esperanza is one of the most respected Federally Qualified Health Centers in the nation. It delivers accessible, bilingual care to more than 50,000 patients every year. From adult medicine, women's health, and pediatrics to behavioral health services and wellness programs, Esperanza meets the needs of its community with innovation and a commitment to quality.

I am joining Team Esperanza for the 2025 Chicago Marathon to support the notion that health care is a human right, not a privilege. Without clinics like Esperanza, so many people would not receive the care they need and deserve. I am familiar with Esperanza on multiple levels, including my role at the Third Horizon/The Health Care Council of Chicago. I stand by their mission and am excited to be a part of the team. Blending my passion for health care access, the Latino community, and running is truly a dream come true. With the threat of losing federal funding, supporting your local communities is more important than ever. If you can contribute in any way, I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you for your support! October 12, here we come!!