The Fundraising Page of Carolyn Worniak

In 2023, I reached a longtime dream of completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors and earning my Six-Star Finisher medal at the Tokyo Marathon. After taking some time away due to injuries and life in general, I’m returning this year to sweet home Chicago, the place where my marathon journey first began in 2010. I’m thrilled to be running the Chicago Marathon for the fifth time and taking on marathon #12 with Team Gilda! For more than sixteen years, your support of my marathon journeys through donations, encouragement, and compassion has meant the world to me. I am deeply grateful for the love and help I’ve received from family, friends, my doctors and physical therapy teams, co workers, and even complete strangers along the way. This support, especially during my difficult knee recovery seven years ago, has been crucial. I don’t have enough words to express how much this community has lifted me over the years, but please know how profoundly thankful I am. I’m grateful for your consideration in supporting my efforts once again as I return to the Chicago Marathon and continue fundraising to help ensure that no one faces cancer alone. Cancer, unfortunately, is a reality that touches all of us—whether personally or through someone we love. I lost both of my wonderful paternal grandparents, who helped shape the person I am today, as well as one of my closest friends, Shiva. Losing someone as smart, funny, charismatic, and loving as Shiva to breast cancer at just 28 was a senseless and heartbreaking loss. I miss her every single day. Her courage, humor, and thoughtfulness continue to guide and inspire me in everything I do. My story is, sadly, not unique, and it’s why I hope you’ll join me in supporting the fight against cancer. Gilda’s Club Chicago uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. Your support fuels 300+ programs each month—from support groups and one-on-one counseling to art and pet therapies, comedy writing workshops, sound meditation, fitness classes, educational lectures, and healthy lifestyle demonstrations. Every offering is designed to uplift, empower, and connect our members. Thanks to your support, Gilda’s Club Chicago can continue providing these life-enhancing programs free of charge to anyone impacted by cancer. Run with purpose. Fundraise with heart. Together, we prove that community is stronger than cancer. In Loving Memory: Shiva Haghighi (11/27/1985-3/22/2014) Art (7/30/1924 -10/6/2007) & Joan (6/15/1925-4/1/2014) Worniak