“I think it’s a great way to raise money for the Agency and just the kids, they get into it, and the staff gets into it,” he explained. “I was encouraged by how many of our staff did it this year … all that kind of motivates you, like, let’s get this back on track.”

While listing his reasons to sign up—help with fundraising, help building good morale with coworkers, and a way to get healthy—Mario said that he just didn’t see a downside to signing up. And even though he’s both excited and nervous for the challenge of running his marathon, he also wants to encourage other coworkers to sign up just like he did.

“Mercy Home sets you up, they help with the fundraising, the registration—I registered and the next thing you know, I had my own page and it was prepped for people to start giving,” he said. “It just blew my mind.”

Even better, coworkers signing up to run the marathon in 2020 don’t have to pay any registration fee. And in addition to help fundraising, Heroes receive help with training from CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association), can meet with Heroes Coordinator Jim Harding in person for extra support, and even have access to a gym at both campuses to help with training.

“Everything is right here within reach to help you succeed,” Mario said. “Everything you need, fundraising to the prepping to having conversations with folks who’ve already done it [like] Tom [Gilardi] and Cheryl [Murphy], there’s really nothing that you’re going to be wanting to go ahead and complete it. You have all the resources to be successful here.”