Going the Distance for The Chicago Lighthouse at The Chicago Marathon

Darcie Smith may have run 22 marathons already, but this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon holds a special place for her. First, it will be her first World Major Marathon and second, she will be running on behalf of The Chicago Lighthouse.  

“This is my first race running for charity,” she says. “I’m excited to be a part of making a difference while doing something I love.” 

Originally from Morris, IL, Darcie now works as a clinical coordinator for several glaucoma specialists in the Atlanta area. For 15 years, she has worked closely with people who are visually impaired, helping them with medication access, questions, and low-vision referral coordination, among other duties.  

“Where I live, we have the Lion’s Lighthouse Foundation, and I work with patients every day whose lives have been changed by the work they do,” Darcie says. “Their mission aligns with The Chicago Lighthouse, and I knew I wanted to support an organization doing the same kind of work in the Chicago area.” 

If you would like to support Darcie’s fundraising efforts on behalf of The Lighthouse, click here to make a donation to her fundraiser.  

Hayley Christine has watched the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for many years and decided 2026 was the year to get off the sidelines and join the fun. 

“I have always been inspired by the incredible energy and the impact of the charity runners in the event,” she says. “I wanted to be a part of that by taking on 26.2 miles to represent an organization I deeply believe in.”

A native of Saugatuck, MI, Hayley made her way to Illinois as a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she studied community health. She is currently a second-year student at the Illinois College of Optometry. Those pursuits have codified Hayley’s belief in the important role that accessible healthcare and community support provided by The Chicago Lighthouse play in creating positive health outcomes for its clients. 

“I’ve seen firsthand the profound difference doctors and staff at The Chicago Lighthouse make in people’s lives,” Hayley says. “The organization does truly life-changing work for individuals with visual impairments and disabilities, providing vital care and fostering independence. Being able to combine my passion for vision health with my love for running made choosing The Chicago Lighthouse an easy decision.” Click here to make donation to Hayley’s fundraiser.