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 😘
$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..🤗🙏🏃🏻♀️👟💕😇
$100
Anastasia Gebenlian
Good luck Jesse! So proud of you!
$100
Bartz Bunch
$100
Patricia Antczak
You got this!
$100
Jennifer Plum
Thank you for doing this! You are an inspiration to so many, just like Dad. Love you!
$100
David Antczak
$60
Simon Plum
$60
Michael Doti
$60
Maggie Cannariato
$50
Ellen
You go girl!!!!
$50
Reno Subach
$50
Mark Kuester
Safe travels and good luck on your run.
$50
Jennifer Husain
God Bless Your Dad, Jesse And God Bless You!
$50
Jennifer Harris
Good luck with your training and fundraising goal!!!
$50
Paulina Samborska
$40
Susanne Householder
You go girl!!!!
$26
Blake Yanics
$25
Linette
So proud of you!
$25
Christy Subach
$25
Alyssa Jelinek
$25
Ana Alvarez
$25
Jennifer Fleming
You got this!!!
$20
Deandra Verest
$20
Sarah Janssen
Dad would be very proud-give em hell!
$20
Alex Plum
You’ve got this!!!
