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Every fall, approximately 50,000 athletes and para-athletes participate in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
In the 2025 marathon on Sunday, Oct. 12, 54 of those participants will be running as part of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab marathon team — the hospital’s largest since entering its first team in 2018.
The team is comprised of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patients and patient family members and, this year, a record number of staff members as well — 15 employees in all.
In addition to running 26.2 miles on race day, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab marathon team has raised critical funds in the months leading up to the marathon — ensuring patients can continue to receive the most advanced rehabilitation care and achieve their best outcomes. Together, the marathon team has raised more than $100,000 in 2025.
Below, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab staff reflect on their reasons for running the marathon — and how they’re making their miles matter through their individual fundraising:
Lorie Cashdollar
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Lorie Cashdollar, project coordinator, Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR): “I take great pride in working for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. I believe in our mission, and getting to interact with our patients daily is truly inspiring. I am honored to have the opportunity to raise money to benefit our patients while doing my favorite thing — running!
Running has always been a huge part of my life — from running circles around the house to breaking high school and collegiate records.
Shortly after I graduated college, my mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. We didn't get much time with her after that, but to say she was my No. 1 supporter in every aspect of my life (especially in my running career) would be an understatement. I am running this marathon in honor of her, and I am excited for my friends and family to rally around me in her absence.
This will be my first marathon and the longest race I have yet to conquer, and I am excited to go out there and have some fun!!”
Emma Chambers, DPT
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Emma Chambers, DPT, The John and Kathy Schreiber Brain Innovation Center: “This is my first marathon! I am running for all of the great patients I have gotten to meet and work with, as well as to help fund programs that improve quality of life after such life-changing injuries.”
Ryan Coxe, DPT
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Ryan Coxe, DPT, Supervisor, Outpatient Pediatrics: “A large portion of our kiddos on the floor are on Medicaid or under financial hardship. I know firsthand the importance of them receiving the high-quality care that our team delivers. Raising money to further help is why I am running. Plus, showing the kids that I work out, too, helps motivate them!
This is my second marathon, but my real passion is triathlons. My running ritual is being chronically underprepared!”
Logan Klein, DPT
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Logan Klein, DPT, Brain Innovation Center: “Running a marathon has always been a bucket list item for me, and I'm excited to meet this goal by participating in one of the world's greatest races.
I’m running for all of my patients — past, present and future — who work every day to better themselves and overcome traumatic brain injuries, cerebrovascular accidents and other neurologic diseases.
This is my first marathon. My favorite place to run is the lakefront trail. My favorite running ritual is celebrating a long run with a big breakfast or a sweet treat!”
Briana Marquez, OT
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Briana Marquez, OT, The Renée Crown Center for Spinal Cord Innovation Center: “This is my second year running for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab marathon team because I appreciate all that it brings to our inpatient population!
My heart and my drive are solely for the incredible and brave people I get to work with every day on the spinal cord injury floor. I hope to fundraise for and provide care at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for years to come. It truly is my dream job where I work with a dream team daily.”
Leana Mosesian, DPT
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Leana Mosesian, DPT, Outpatient: “For many years, I have volunteered with the Los Angeles and Chicago marathons at water stations, cheering on runners as a community supporter and serving on the medical staff, first as a student and now as a physical therapist.
This year I have set a new training goal: to complete the 2025 Chicago Marathon, just one week before my 30th birthday!
This is my first marathon. I treat a lot of marathon runners who also are running this year, so that's been an awesome experience to share with my patients.”
Maggie Schepelmann, RN
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Maggie Schepelmann, RN, Spinal Cord Innovation Center: “I’m running for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab this year in honor of my cousin, Dr. Katy Altonji, who was a physician on the brain injury floor here at the hospital. She passed away from colon cancer a year ago. I’m running this marathon in her memory for an organization I know she was so proud to be a part of.
This is my first marathon. I have loved training while Chicago summer is in full swing, especially alongside all of the new friends I’ve made going on Saturday morning long runs!”
