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Suburban runner sprints to support military families

Posted September 22, 2010 11:00 pm

By Amy Boerema

After a tough year away from his family, Will Beiersdorf returned from serving overseas inspired to give back.

It was in his absence that the Naval Reservist, who was called to active duty the day after Sept. 11, 2001, says he really learned the value of community, after seeing friends and neighbors pitch in to help his wife and three sons back home.

"Pure strangers heard about us and stepped up to help us," says the Arlington Heights dad. "That community commitment changed our life."

On Oct. 10, Beiersdorf will run in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of Team Salute, which he and his wife founded to raise funds for military families in need.

He is one of 10 inspirational local athletes being featured in the event's "10.10.10: The Date to Motivate" campaign to raise awareness about the impact of community service.

Images of the athletes appear throughout their hometowns, and their pictures and motivations for running can be seen at banking centers, airport terminals and CTA trains around Chicago. They also are featured on the city's mural wall along the Kennedy Expressway at North Avenue.

"It's a real honor that Bank of America chose me," Beiersdorf says. "This (campaign) shows we're all part of the same community wheel. It's regular, everyday people getting involved and making a difference."

An estimated 10,000 of 45,000 runners in this year's marathon are raising money for more than 150 charities - record numbers of both charities benefitting and athletes racing for a cause, event organizers say. Collectively, the runners are expected to raise more than $10 million.

Beiersdorf's commitment to service began after he returned from Guantanamo Bay. He had taken a pay cut of more than 50 percent to serve, and his family struggled financially. Hardships arose, from the more minor - the car broke down, the roof leaked - to the more serious - his wife, Mary Beth, got sick and one of his children was hurt in a treadmill accident.

"It enlightened Mary Beth and I about the importance of life and how fragile it is and how quickly it can change," he said.

But friends and neighbors stepped in, helping cook meals, cut the grass and shuttle the kids around. They even held a golf outing to raise funds for the family.

"We felt a little overwhelmed," Beiersdorf said. "We didn't feel like people should be doing that. We were a little embarrassed."

But also inspired. In 2003, the couple created Salute, Inc., a nonprofit that provides support for military families through various fundraising activities. Today, more than 250 people have received funds; the group has donated more than $700,000 to families in need, doing everything from paying for groceries and mortgages to buying laptops for veterans who have returned to school.

"It really comes down to giving back," Beiersdorf says. "The community helped us, and now we are helping them."

Team Salute was formed in 2007, beginning with fewer than 20 runners. The group has since participated in everything from 5K races to triathlons, and this year's marathon team so far consists of 120 runners, with a goal to raise $100,000, Beiersdorf says.

Team Salute is accepting new members who are already registered for the marathon, as well as recruits for several 2011 events. For more information, interested runners can contact teamsalute@yahoo.com.

The team provides training programs and support for its members. First-time marathoner Bridget McCarte of Mount Prospect says though training has been more time-consuming than she imagined, she's excited to be part of a team that has made such a strong impact in its community.

"Two weeks ago, I ran 16 miles and it was pretty phenomenal," she says. "For as many moments of self-doubt I've had, this has shown me you can do whatever you want if you invest in it."

That's exactly the message Beiersdorf wants to share. "Step out of your comfort zone," he says. "It's not a matter of being the fastest runner out there. It's about, 'I'm there, and I'm making a difference and being a part of helping to solve a problem.'"

That motivation provides extra incentive to pound the pavement for 26.2 miles. "When I'm ready to walk or cheat a little bit, I think about the people who passed away and died in this conflict," he says. "I think 'Wow, I have an opportunity to run and those folks never had that opportunity.' It touches you. It really makes a difference."

Will Beiersdorf is the founder and member of Team Salute, which runs races to raise funds for charity. He will be running in the Oct. 10 Chicago marathon to help raise funds for military service families.. Daniel White | Staff Photographer

Ten running for causes

The "10.10.10: The Date to Motivate" campaign is part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon's efforts to spread the word about community service. It features 10 runners who will be taking part in the marathon on Oct. 10 to raise money for charities of their choice. They are:

• Will Beiersdorf, 45, Arlington Heights

Inspired to give back after seeing how much support his community gave to his family while he was called to active military duty after 9/11. He and his wife founded Team Salute to raise money for military families.

• Diego Gonzalez, 26, Chicago

Raising money for Open Heart Magic; motivation is to bring hope to patients in local children's hospitals.

• Michele Hale, 47, Griffin, Ind.

Motivation is to celebrate 10 years of raising funds for people with developmental disabilities.

• Dr. Brooke Jackson, 41, Chicago

A dermatologist who promotes healthy living and raises awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and skin cancer.

• Merri Lazenby, 38, Chicago

Donated a kidney to a co-worker she had never met; motivation is to provide support for cancer patients and inspiration through community-based initiatives for others overcoming hardships.

• James Lilly, 40, Brookfield

Inspirational speaker and wheelchair athlete; motivation is to educate kids about avoiding gang violence - which caused his own paralysis - and encourage other wheelchair athletes.

• Daniel Malinski, 34, Chicago

After his daughter was born with a heart defect and his dad suffered a heart attack, he was inspired to live healthier. He has since lost over 100 pounds during marathon training while raising funds for the American Heart Association.

• Alan Robinson, 56, Chicago

Disabled athlete/founder of Halo Man Foundation, which supports spinal cord injury survivors; motivation is to inspire disabled people to pursue their goals.

• Jim "Skinny" Sheahan, 64, Chicago

Longtime Special Olympics Chicago board member; motivation is to give back to the Special Olympic athletes who have inspired him.

• Vanessa Vorhies, 30, Chicago

A debut marathoner running for Team Thresholds, which provides mental health services for patients in Chicago.

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