I'm fundraising for my Dad
Throughout my life, my Dad (David M. Plum) encouraged me to push harder, look farther, and dream bigger. He was quiet in the ways he supported me, but I always knew he was watching. He feels a lot like the road beneath my feet when I run. With every step, I push myself to be more, and every time my foot lands, I know the pavement is there to catch me.
My dad, who passed away on February 24, 2026, at the age of 88, lived with multiple forms of dementia, including Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. I feel him every day, and on every run, I know he is there—watching over me and quietly catching me.
After completing the Chicago Marathon with Alzheimer's Association Stars in 2022 and the Berlin Marathon with Tuesday’s Children in 2023, I took a break. This year, though, my dad is calling me back to the road—and for a meaningful cause. By supporting others affected by Alzheimer’s, I am honoring him, a man who also completed 25 marathons in his lifetime. It is a privilege I take seriously to run with the Alzheimer's Association in the New York City Marathon.
Thank you to my husband, Bobby, and three children for supporting me through this journey and helping me stay committed to the cause. By participating in this event, I've committed to raising awareness and funds to advance the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association®.
Currently, more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to grow to nearly 13 million by 2050. Our future is at risk, and we must come together to change the course of this disease.
Please support my efforts by making a donation. All funds raised benefit the Alzheimer's Association and its work to enhance care and support programs and advance research toward methods of treatment, prevention, and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease!
Thank you to my Donors
$500
The Chicago Kindness Project
$500
Anonymous
$350
Chris And Angie
Run like the wind!
$300
Carmen Schneider
Thank you for supporting this cause 💜
$250
Jessica Plonka
$200
Beatrice Ryba
$200
Laura And Bob Plonka
We are so proud of you! Your passion for the cause and love for your father is so heartwarming🥰 we are your biggest supporters! Your energy always reminds me of the song “Girl on fire” which is about, confidence, strength, resilience! We 😘
$150
Lauren Hussar
Run Jesse Run!
$100
David Antczak
$100
Greg And Nancy Obert
Your dad would be so proud!
$100
Nickolas Nahm
Good luck Jesse!
$100
Gene Brooks
Meep moving
$100
Michael
$100
Bartz Bunch
$100
Anonymous
Good luck. Great cause
$100
Jennifer Plum
Thank you for doing this! You are an inspiration to so many, just like Dad. Love you!
$100
Patricia Antczak
You got this!
$100
Veronica And Todd
$100
Anastasia Gebenlian
Good luck Jesse! So proud of you!
$100
Kim Bacic
Fantastic! Sending you good vibes for your training and the day of the run. I’m sure Dad will be looking down from above supporting you with a little extra love and some angel wings..🤗🙏🏃🏻♀️👟💕😇
$60
Michael Doti
$60
Simon Plum
$60
Maggie Cannariato
$50
Ellen
You go girl!!!!
$50
Paulina Samborska
$50
Anonymous
What an awesome way to honor your father's memory.
$50
Sheridan Stalbaum
$50
Tony Gianneschi
Such an amazing tribute to your father. It’s beautiful that you’re honoring his memory this way. I’m happy to support you and this cause. I’ll be cheering you on every mile! ❤️
$50
Michele King
Beautiful story, he would be so proud!❤️
$50
Mark Kuester
Safe travels and good luck on your run.
$50
Peggy Stenger
$50
Becca Katz Siegel
$50
Jennifer Harris
Good luck with your training and fundraising goal!!!
$50
Reno Subach
$50
Jennifer Husain
God Bless Your Dad, Jesse And God Bless You!
$50
Jennifer Husain
God Bless You
$40
Susanne Householder
You go girl!!!!
$40
Erin Drain
Run Jesse Run!
$30
Tonisha Muhammad
$30
Jeremy Tibus Jennifer Tibus Burns And John Burns
$30
Liz J
Your dad sounds like he was vey special. 🩷
$30
Rahul Sharma
For all the ancestors and the living
$26
Blake Yanics
$26
Stephanie Essling
$26
Marypat Fujan
Run girl run…💕 for your Dad, for you and for the cause.
$25
Ana Alvarez
$25
Celine Guerrero
Run, Jess, Run!
$25
Renee Hussar
$25
Alyssa Jelinek
$25
Christy Subach
$25
Linette
So proud of you!
$25
Jennifer Fleming
You got this!!!
$25
Stephen Subach
$25
Rachel Hart Winter
Thank you for being! Thank you for running!!!
$25
Christiane Flanagan
<3
$20
Deandra Verest
$20
Sarah Janssen
Dad would be very proud-give em hell!
$20
Alex Plum
You’ve got this!!!
$18
Larkin Hunt
<3
$15
Irie Buchanan
Such a dope cause, sending strength to you on your run!!!
$10
