Hello Everyone!

My name is Trace Jory Loptien and I am a senior Psychology Major at the University of Illinois. Things to know about me: I never used to be a runner by any means!

Then I decided to do the U of I Half Marathon.

Now, I have made plans for the infamous Chicago Marathon after my hero did it himself - my dad. There was no way I was gonna let him do it without me trying (and succeeding!) myself, so here I am now weeks before the race.

However, I was thinking that I did not want to run the race just for myself but for a cause, which I have realized always gives more motivation and satisfaction after the task at hand is completed. Enter FirstGiving and Special Olympics Chicago - the entity that I want to be a part of and contribute my efforts towards!

That being said I, along with the help of everyone I can reach out to, plan on making a goal  and then accomplishing the task of of raising at least $2,500 in the effort to contribute towards everything that FirstGiving stands for. If you have a second and wouldn't mind becoming a part of a great cause - contribute a little yourselves and it'd be greatly, greatly appreciated! Thank you and God bless!