For 18 Rush surgeons, students and staff members, the Chicago Marathon was more than a race. It was an opportunity to support the Rush programs and services they care about most while helping advance Rush’s mission.
Together, Team Rush raised $29,393 ahead of the 2026 Chicago Marathon, which took place on Sunday, Oct. 11, building on the success of the 2025 marathon team.
Behind every mile was a reason to give back
Kaitlin Lizik, development specialist at Rush Copley Medical Center, ran to raise funds for the Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center, which offers support to anyone affected by cancer at no cost.
“I think about Waterford Place and all the people it serves,” Lizik said. “If they’re resilient enough to get through the cancer journey, then I can do this and support them.”
Esequiel Salas, MS, community health worker supervisor at Rush University Medical Center, dedicated his miles to the patients, families and communities served by Sankofa Village Wellness Center, a cause that is deeply personal to him. Sankofa provides health education, wellness programming, screenings, food assistance and connections to healthcare and community resources — improving community members’ health and well-being.
“Being born on Chicago’s West Side, running the Chicago Marathon for Team Rush and raising funds for Sankofa is deeply meaningful to me,” Salas said. “My passion for community health comes from believing that wellness should be accessible and practical for everyone. Every mile I run is an opportunity to support that work.”
Ericka Knapp, assistant director of development at Rush University Medical Center, ran in honor of her sister, raising funds for Rush’s Social Work and Community Health services. The team helps patients and community members overcome barriers to health and wellness through advocacy, resource navigation and innovative programs.
“When I think about who I would run 26.2 miles for, the first person who comes to mind is my sister, Nicole, a social worker who has devoted her life to helping others,” Knapp said. “That’s why I’m proud to support Rush’s Social Work and Community Health team. They meet people where they are and connect them with resources they need to stay healthy.”
These personal motivations helped make this year's marathon the most successful yet for Team Rush.
While the runners have crossed the finish line, the impact of the funds they raised continues at Rush through advanced patient care, resources and support for communities across Chicago.
To learn how you can turn your passion into impact, visit Fundraise Your Way for Rush.
