I have run 32 marathons to date, with this October being my 5^th Chicago, and 33rd Marathon. I love this race and the energy the city gives! This year, I've decided to run it through the charity CASA of Cook County. In February of 2016, I became a Child Advocate for our local CASA. What do we do as a child advocate? We volunteer our time to represent the best interest for a child that has been placed in the CPS system due to abuse and neglect. We are the judge’s eyes and ears while the child is in custody, ensuring their needs are met, and doing what we can to ensure they get the best outcome, hopefully breaking the cycle of abuse. We visit them at least once a month to make sure they are safe, and are their only constant during this time. I personally have experienced being a CASA Volunteer, and see what a difference being one makes, as well as the impact made in the child’s life and future.

So, for my 33^rd full marathon, I have decided to combine two of my passions and run 26.2 miles for CASA of Cook County in Chicago! I hope you will consider donating to an organization that impacts a child’s life by breaking the cycle of abuse. Any amount will help, and is greatly appreciated!

For over 30 years, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Cook County has been training everyday people to stand up for children that have experienced abuse and neglect in an overwhelmed and extremely under-resourced foster care system. Today there are anywhere between 5,800 to 6,000 children in Cook County’s foster care system—and CASA of Cook County can only provide one-on-one support for less than 6 percent of them. Because of our limited resources, our volunteer advocates are court-appointed for cases deemed most in need of individual, dedicated support. Learn more about our work here: http://bit.ly/CASA_Cook_Cty 

Meet the 2015 Team CASA, which raised more than $36,000+, by visiting this link: http://bit.ly/2015TeamCASA 

Meet the 2016 Team CASA, which raised more than $52,000+, by visiting this link: http://bit.ly/TeamCASAPix.

Our goal in 2017 is to once again run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and raise $50,000. 100% of the money raised will go towards CASA of Cook County's child advocacy program.

We highly encourage you to share the opportunity to join Team CASA with your friends! There's nothing better than running for a good cause alongside great people! 

Welcome to Team CASA and thank you for believing in our mission & vision.

Sincerely,

Mark Dinglasan
Executive Director
CASA of Cook COunty