Inspired by the late Dan Hohs, Hope for the Day’s Team Thrive is made up of individuals committed to highlighting the link between physical and mental health. A versatile athlete who found wellness through competitive endurance sports, Dan Hohs began developing Team Thrive in 2014. 

Since Dan’s passing in 2017, Hope for the Day has maintained the goal of healthy bodies supporting healthy minds. Whether it’s hosting a yoga workshop at Sip of Hope or partnering with a local fitness studio, we understand the importance and often highlight how physical health and mental health go hand in hand. 

For many of our Team Thrive members, their desire to run in the Chicago Marathon is due to a personal connection to mental health. 

On the chilly, fall morning of October 9th, Hope for the Day staff and volunteers huddled together in anticipation of cheering on this year’s marathon crew. With 23 runners and 26.2 miles ahead of them, our team understood the importance of holding a sign or cheering runners to keep going towards the finish line.

As runners sped by, our team recounted their why’s for encouragement to keep pushing on. One of the members of our crew, Abby Schmidt, shared what kept her going during the race.

“I’m running for the version of me that struggles with depression; the one who wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for movement and the amazing community that comes with it,” Schmidt said. 

In this, Schmidt touches on a big thing that Team Thrive provides: community. 

Each year, our marathon crew has an exclusive group chat where they can receive training tips and even plan to periodically gather for team runs. Many Team Thrive members also return the next year and run for us again. 

A large part of the Team Thrive community can be credited to our coaches Chelsea Wellmann and Jonathan Koch. Leading Team thrive for the second year in the row, they have proven to be a wealth of knowledge for the marathon crew each year.

Once again, thank you and congratulations again to our 2023 Team Thrive Marathon Crew: 

Aaron J Brewer*

Abby Schmidt

Alexandria Hoffman*

Amy Wang

Brittany Caskey*

Christine Leppanen

Colleen Trch

Daniela Caceres

Erika Wenson

Erwin Hernandez

Gabriela Cáceres

Griff Bryant

Griffin Durias

Jill Perry

JT Harvey

Kathy Burns

Kevin Crispin

Michael Martire

Mindy Davis

Morgan Limanowski

Steven Topper

Thomas Barr*

Tolly Savile

*did not run due to injury

We are so proud of everyone’s hard work and incredibly thankful for the hard work you have done! 

Registration for the 2024 Chicago Marathon has begun. If you’re interested in learning more about running for Team Thrive in the 2024 Chicago Marathon, please fill out the form here.