January 19, 2023

There was one thought that echoed in Cecelia Martinez’s mind early on during the 2019 Bank of America Chicago Marathon: “I don’t think I’m going to make it.” 

“Possibly a mile in or so, I was like what did I get myself into? No way am I going to be able to do this.” 

There comes a time in the marathon when runners doubt their ability to finish. But despite her desire to quit, Cecelia drew strength from her family’s support, from her intention to run for Mercy Home, and from her promise to honor her deceased son, who was a resident at the Home ten years earlier. But it was after seeing her daughter cheering her on from the crowd that Cecilia knew she had to push forward. The continued support she received from so many others along the way motivated her to keep going to the end. 

“I was seeing people with Mexico flags, Mexico signs, and I would shout out ‘Guadalajara!’ because that’s where my family is from … And people would get so excited,” she said. 

As she continued along the course, Cecelia was mesmerized by the throngs of spectators and how they generously handed out cold drinks and snacks to the 46,000  runners who passed by. 

With the support of her family, the encouragement of fans, and the memories of her son, Cecelia completed her first-ever marathon. Her daughter, Syriana Martinez, was so inspired by her mom’s achievement that she made a choice that day to run with her mother when she turned 16. 

Mercy Home had always been there for her son. To finish the marathon with Mercy Home on her jersey was a special moment. Her son Ricky had passed away the year before, which was a devastating blow to her family’s life. 

But the community of Mercy Home coworkers who lifted him during his time there showed their unwavering care to his family at his funeral. 

 “That just meant so much more to me because I [expected] my family, and friends to be there. But it didn’t even cross my mind that the Mercy Home workers would be there. That helped me through that day, seeing them there.” 

At Mercy Home, kids gain the confidence and the skills they need to succeed in life beyond our door. But we also let them know that they are a part of our family and that they are always welcome.  

“I felt 1,000 percent [confident] for him to be there. He’s the one who wanted to come here. I feel like it was a great opportunity for him.” 

Rhonda Murrell, one of our case managers, was the day coordinator in Ricky’s residence when he lived with us.  

“Ricky was really helpful to the guys he was there with,” she said. “He was caring. He had a real humorous spirit, [he] joked around a lot. He learned a lot and made a lot of good transitions.”  

Ricky’s younger sister, Syriana, will be running the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with her mother. She fondly remembers her relationship with her brother. 

“My brother was really caring and nice,” she remembered.” He would brush my hair for me, help me and my other cousin with things that we needed. He had good energy.” 

Cecelia no longer has her son to share memories with, but she can feel his presence whenever she watches Mercy Home’s Sunday Mass, which airs on WGN on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. 

“When Ricky was actually still here at Mercy, I started watching to see if I would see him [altar serve],” she said. “I still watch if I’m at home. It’s super comforting for me.
Sometimes I cry through the whole mass. I know that I can turn it on and watch it. Just that I know that if I need to, I can come here.” 

When runners need to find the inner strength to go further, they may carry a symbolic item to remind them why they are taking on such a monumental challenge. Cecelia and Syriana will be wearing red dog tags in honor of Ricky. 

Years ago, Cecelia and her family turned to Mercy Home for help. Now she and her daughter are both Mercy Home Heroes who help all of our kids with every step they take together. 

And Mercy Home will be there for both of them for their entire marathon journey. 

“We’re going to support you the whole way,” Mary Connolly, the Mercy Home Heroes coordinator, said. “Running a marathon is life changing. When you cross that finish line, you suddenly feel like you can do anything.”