Dear friends and family,

I'm delighted to share that I'll be running the Chicago Marathon this year, not just for the challenge, but also to support Esperanza, an organization close to my heart. Meaning “hope” in Spanish, Esperanza provides quality healthcare to thousands of people in Southwest Chicago, for whom it would be otherwise unattainable.

After completing a half marathon last year with my friend Rajat, whose wife works for Esperanza, we were inspired to push ourselves further and take on the full distance. I’m proud to be part of a team of over 30 people running for Esperanza, also including my friends Debbie and Bailey.

My personal journey is fueled by a belief that healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of income. This conviction stems from the memory of my mother, who passed away in 2011 after a 20-year battle with cancer, and my father, who who we lost in 2015 after he sadly fell ill with a tropical disease on his travels. He spent nearly a year in a hospital in Exeter in the UK as the doctors tried to save his life.

Having lived in the US since then, I can’t begin to imagine the stress for families whose loved ones are sick but can’t afford healthcare.

This is where Esperanza comes in. With over 400 staff at 7 locations, it delivers accessible, bilingual care to more than 50,000 patients every year across adult medicine, women’s health, pediatrics and wellness programs.

Esperanza embodies the spirit of resilience and compassion that my mother exemplified in her long battle with illness. Her mantra, 'don’t quit,' has always stuck with me, motivating me to overcome obstacles and persevere. Those two words will be certainly be in my head as I run in Chicago later this year.

As I start my training, I’m also kicking off my fundraising efforts for Esperanza. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for your support and generosity.

With gratitude,

Tom