I am once again uniting with the Bang Bang Gang to make a difference in the fight against brain tumors. A cause I am passionate about after experiencing first hand the diagnosis, fight, and life taken of my good friend, Jason Bangs.

Jason was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2014. He fought a courageous battle and sadly passed away March 3, 2016 at the young age of 37. Ever since his diagnosis, the Bang Bang Gang (a group of family and friends that Jason assembled) have been walking annually to raise awareness and funds. We will once again gather this year to complete a 5K in his honor on September 23, 2023.

Jason is a friend you cannot replace. A true one of a kind who strongly believed in Taco Tuesday #LiveEachDayLikeItsTacoTuesday, he and his inner fat girl loved food #BeulahApproved, and he had the best hair of anyone I knew #HairyDairy. His loss hurts and I am compelled to do what I can to bring awareness and raise funds for brain tumor research.

This year Jason would be turning 45 years old. To commemorate this special day, I have decided to run the Chicago Marathon that falls on Jason’s birthday, October 8, 2023. Coincidentally it’s the 45th anniversary of this race. My name was submitted in the Chicago Marathon lottery and the universe worked out in my favor, I was chosen!

I have hired a team to help me to complete all 26.2 miles (a strength and nutrition coach, a mindset coach, and a running coach). I’ve been putting the work in since December 1st and now all I need is your help. I have set a goal of raising $4,500 as 45 is the lucky number this year. Please help me reach my goal while donating to a worthy cause. The National Brain Tumor Society desperately lacks funding and needs our help.

Let’s all join in this fight!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Denise