In this year, Max was motivated in a very personal way.

He had volunteered during the Camp One Step run by Children’s Oncology Services, where he saw the changing effect of the camp on children with cancer

The mother-son couple is fundraising on Qgiv, a site that aids in charity events and contributions.

So far, Max has contributed $1,865, which is more than his 1,500 goal.

The ones who took inspiration from their story can still donate to help Camp One Step on the fundraising page of Max.

Each donation will bring happiness and hope to a child who has to fight for life.

And the truth is, this marathon in Chicago is full of stars.

A boy with Down syndrome is running too. Can you believe that?

Inspiring lives pushed forward by the Chicago Marathon

One marathoner, a 20-year-old blood cancer survivor, wrote on Facebook that he was running the Chicago marathon with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and had not lived to see the last marathon.“This will be my 9th Chicago and 20th overall marathon and I’m running it with more purpose than ever,” he wrote.

At the same time, an Odia teenager with Down syndrome marathoned 5 kilometers in Chicago, proving that nothing is impossible when there is a strong will. Meanwhile, Leah Howell, a survivor of kidney disease, participated in the Chicago Marathon to raise awareness and help with kidney health. 

Likewise, 67-year-old Tim Paul, who lost his sight when he was in his 20s, also ran his 24th marathon in Chicago. Tethered to a guide runner, Paul made it clear that he does not only want to be perceived as blind, but as a marathon runner. Beyond running, he has also participated in triathlons and downhill skiing, and his inspiring story is featured in the documentary I’m Only Blind.

Altogether, these participants show the courage of those taking on the streets of Chicago, each running not only for themselves but for a purpose, a cause, and inspiration for others.