Together, we can help raise money for melanoma awareness while living life intentionally.

NEW YORK CITY MARATHON 2022

Moving to Chicago almost four years ago, the act of running is one of my fondest practices; one that connects my body, mind, and spirit, as I pace all over the city. Running allows me to reclaim my time and peaceful expression. Through each pace I take, it is a direct celebration of life.

The running community has opened my eyes to the identity of who a runner can be. Each runner I have met has their why. From teachers, designers, sculptors, artists, nuns, and much more, all of these individuals coming together create a force so beautiful, I feel grateful to share my story with you all reading.

I am running the New York Marathon this year and raising money for the Jack H Marston II Cancer Research Fund in honor of my Mom, Helene Zeitlin, who lost her life at 50 to Melanoma.

A beautiful friend, guardian, spouse, aunt, and guidance counselor, my Mom helped so many people when she was here with us. As I was growing up with her loss, her strength and spirit motivated me to connect with the people around me from all walks of life. Up until she passed, my mom focused on living each moment, loving herself unconditionally. I remember us playing tennis together and her beating me a couple days before she took a turn for the worse. She had an incredible amount of chutzpah! Her ability to focus on the positive helped me find my love for cooking and hospitality. These were ways I coped with her loss and also allowed me to devote positive energy into nourishing others.

My Mom's favorite thing to eat when we were younger were bagel sandwiches. While I was transitioning from the east coast to Chicago, I started baking bagels and raising money for melanoma awareness. I was able to raise thousands of dollars for Northwestern University Hospital Dermatology Center.

Cooking food that reminds me of my Mom and Jewish culture has grown to be increasingly important to me. Over the last two years, I have been growing my business, Zeitlin's Delicatessen, in the Chicagoland area. With the increase in my work load, the discipline of my running has increased.

After running the Chicago Marathon last year, my body was severely fatigued and exhausted. I thought I wasn't going to be able to run long distances ever again. After recovering the last 6 months and trusting the process, I am excited to get back and train for a marathon once again. My goal is to raise $10,000 to support young people who have been affected by Melanoma personally. If I have learned anything from my moms example, it is to not take life for granted and live every day with love, kindness, and generosity. Running has allowed me to practice focusing on the journey and not the destination. My hope is by raising the money, we will be closer to finding a cure and young people have a chance to live out their dreams, as I have successfully done mine. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated.