The Fundraising Page of Jo Anne Castillo

This year, as I lace up my running shoes for the Chicago Marathon, I'm dedicating my efforts to Team Gilda once again. Running in support of my sister Jeanne and in memory of my beloved sister Mary, who passed away this past Christmas after a hard-fought, short battle against Colon cancer. Mary remained her kind, patient, and loving self until the very end, embodying strength and grace in the face of adversity. Mary served as the Director at PAEC, a special needs program, where she worked for 44 consecutive years, passionately advocating for children. Her dedication and commitment were evident in every aspect of her work, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. Beyond her professional endeavors, Mary's radiant warmth and captivating charisma, reminiscent of Mary Poppins herself, deeply charmed her family, especially her nieces and nephews. Her innate ability to uplift and inspire others was nothing short of remarkable, leaving an enduring impression on all of us who had the privilege of knowing her. Cancer has left its mark on our family, but it hasn't broken our spirit. My sister Diane's courageous battle and triumph over Breast cancer stands as a testament to resilience and hope. Meanwhile, my sister Jeanne's ongoing fight against MMMT reminds us of the strength found in perseverance and sheer determination. Jeanne has been valiantly fighting for over 3 years and continues to excel at work, continue her love for gardening, stay resilient, and live life to the fullest. All three of my sisters, Mary, Diane, and Jeanne, inspire me to run for Gilda's Club, a beacon of support and hope for those affected by cancer. Their strength, resilience, and unwavering love fuel my determination to make a difference in the lives of others. As I take on the Chicago Marathon this year, I do so with the goal in mind to return to the New York Marathon course in honor of my sister-in-law, Debbie, who passed away in 2016 after a bravely fought battle against Colon cancer. Each step I take is a tribute to their courage and a commitment to continue the fight against cancer. Thank you for your support as we run together towards a future without cancer. ❤️🎗️ - Jo Anne