Run For Gus

Thursday, July 24th will mark the second year our family has had the pleasure of participating in Young Associates Board’s “Run For Gus” – a fundraising 5k run/1 mile walk – proceeds from which go directly to our very own Lurie Children’s Pediatric Brain Tumor Program.

This year, we were asked to share why we run (or walk):

Because he is my brother.  I held Chase when he was born, I played with him every day and early one July morning, I was the one who found him having a seizure.  Darcy, age 8

Because he was born when I was only 1 and I don’t remember a time when Chase wasn’t the brother by my side and now I know words like “cancer” and “brain tumor”.  Because I helped hold the bucket while he vomited after chemo and held his hand at his side when they took blood.  Aidan, age 5

Because I was 8 months old when my mom left me with my grandma and went to live days and nights at the hospital by Chase’s side to help him fight and I learned to walk while bringing him toys as he lay on the bed too weak to walk for himself.  Karsten, age 2

Because he is my son and I’ve carried him into operating rooms and had to leave him.  Bob, Chase’s dad

Because I gave birth to him and two years later sat in a room where they told us there was only a small percentage of survival.  Ellie, Chase’s mom

Because I fought.  And I survived.  Chase, ATRT survivor, age 4

Because Chase is where he is today thanks to the efforts of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program at Lurie Children’s.

Because Chase is our brother and our son.  We run.

For more information on fundraising and Run for Gus, visit Bob’s page here.