'I'll be thinking of three of my immigration clients'

As a volunteer attorney and secretary of the Pro Bono Network board, I am extremely excited to run in the DuPage Human Race with my husband, Aheed, and my four children: Haneen, 5; Eesa, 6; Sakeena, 7; and Mohsin, 10.

The Pro Bono Network is a beloved part of my life, both personally and professionally. As a member for about six years, the network has given me numerous opportunities to use my legal skills and experience to contribute to the community and literally make people's lives easier and more secure, while allowing me to be readily available to my young children.

Pro Bono Network has increased access to justice for thousands of people in dire need of legal aid who might otherwise not have access to an attorney and who have issues such as immigration, housing, divorce, domestic violence and senior needs.

It started with a few "mom attorneys" and has grown to more than 200 volunteers.

Personally, it has allowed me to remain active in the legal community, work with some amazing people and even delve into new areas of the law by providing training and support.

When I run with my family on May 6, I'll be thinking of three of my immigration clients who were victims of domestic violence. We applied for u-visas on their behalf, allowing them to remain and work legally in the United States.

Last year, my entire family ran and walked (with two strollers) and had an amazing time in the Human Race. Since then, my kids have been asking me over and over again when the next race will be. The fact that my entire family can participate to raise funds for a cause so dear to me, ensuring justice for those in need, while running and walking alongside supporters of 70 other organizations working to make the community a better place, is why I run.

To learn more about Pro Bono Network's impact or to donate, take a look at our website, pro-bono-network.org. Or come walk or run with me and my family for team PBN at the DuPage Human Race.