Hello!!

Welcome to my fundraising page for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon!

You might be wondering why I’m running 26.2 miles for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). Honestly? I have a habit of saying “yes” to things that sound a little... extreme. My journey with the CF Foundation started in 2016 when a colleague-turned-close-friend invited me on what I thought was a “casual hike.” Spoiler: it turned out to be a 34-mile “xtreme” hike on the Appalachian Trail. I swore I’d never do anything like that again... and then I did. Twice. Including a rim-to-rim hike across the Grand Canyon.

Now I’m taking it to the next level and running a marathon as part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Breathe Team. On October 12, 2025, I’ll lace up my running shoes and take on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon to support the CF community.

Why I Run

Since that first hike, I’ve been inspired by the incredible strength of people living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Running a marathon is tough, sure. But it’s nothing compared to the daily challenges they face. CF is a progressive genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and more—turning something as basic as breathing into a constant struggle.

The CF Foundation has already made amazing strides, like developing life-changing therapies such as Trikafta. But there’s still so much more to do. I’m running with the Breathe Team to help fund the research, care, and advocacy needed to get us closer to a cure—and to a future where CF stands for Cure Found.

How You Can Help

This is where you come in. Together, we can make a real difference. Here’s how you can help:

• Donate: Every dollar counts, and no amount is too small.
• Share: Spread the word about this fundraiser and the amazing work of the CF Foundation.
• Cheer me on: Your support—whether it’s encouragement, laughs, or kind words—means everything.

Why It Matters

There are nearly 40,000 people in the U.S. living with CF. Thanks to groundbreaking research, their median survival age has risen to over 50 years. But we’re not done yet. Every person with CF deserves access to treatments that improve and extend their lives—and one day, a cure.

Thank you so much for supporting me. Whether you donate, share, or simply root for me as I make my way to the finish line, it means the world.

#Untilitsdone
Katarina