08/10/2026
Every Monday, we celebrate the runners who have joined Team Special Children's Charities for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This week's featured runner is Ron Blanchard. Ron told us how seeing the power of inclusion as a child inspired him, and how that led him to run for Team SCC.
"I am running for Special Children’s Charities because I strongly believe in inclusion and giving everyone the opportunity to succeed, no matter their situation. I have always loved seeing people overcome challenges and be supported in a way that allows them to feel valued, capable, and included.
This mission is personal to me because my grandmother used to work for a company that helped individuals with different types of disabilities find jobs and be treated equally. As a child, I remember visiting her workplace and seeing the joy, respect, and sense of purpose that everyone had there. Those memories stayed with me and helped shape the way I view inclusion and community.
Running has been part of my life since I was young. I first started running with my dad, but I never took it too seriously at first. As an adult, my dad, friends, and I would occasionally run 5Ks together. Then one year, my sister-in-law asked me to run the Cowtown Half Marathon with her in Fort Worth, Texas, and that race changed everything for me. After completing it, I began taking running more seriously and saw how much discipline, growth, and purpose it could bring into my life.
From there, my friends and I started training for the Chevron Marathon. We worked hard, woke up early on Sundays to train, completed the Houston Warm Up Series, and eventually crossed the finish line at the Chevron Marathon together. This year, we will all be running the Chicago Marathon, each representing charities that are meaningful to us.
For me, running the Chicago Marathon with Team Special Children’s Charities means much more than completing another race. It gives me the opportunity to challenge myself, honor the people who inspired me, and help spread awareness for a wonderful organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am proud to run for a mission that reminds people that everyone deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated."
Thank you so much to Ron for being a part of our team! Support his effort by making a donation to his campaign today!
https://ow.ly/W9i550ZxJoa
