In 2020, six-year-old Owen was diagnosed with DIPG, an aggressive and incurable brain tumor. After a six month battle, he sadly passed, but his energy and positivity live on. Join us in honoring his strength and infectious giggle in hopes of creating a brighter outcome for other kiddos who face this terrible disease.
Run with us on September 20th, 2025. This run is virtual, you can run wherever you like! More info will be sent about the logistics of the virtual run after registration. We're also aiming for some fun surprises for those who run locally, so stay tuned for more details!
All proceeds will go to ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, whose mission is to inspire and fund game-changing research to discover effective treatments for pediatric brain cancer, with an emphasis on Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
To learn more about ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, go to www.chadtough.org.
There are a few ways you can support Team Owen:
Want to join a team?
Get the 2025 Team Owen Shirt!
This year’s RunTough for Team Owen t-shirt is here — and it’s full of heart, sunshine, and strength - not to mention fishing, which is how he spent a good amount of time when making memories post-diagnosis. Featuring a bold sunset design and Owen’s signature joy, it’s the perfect way to show your support and spread awareness.
You can select your shirt size (adult and youth options available) when you sign up to run. Shirts are available while supplies last!
Every shirt purchase helps fund vital research through the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation — and brings us one step closer to a cure.
Run (or Ride) from Anywhere
RunTough for Team Owen is a virtual event — that means you can run, walk, bike, hop, or skip from anywhere you are! Whether it’s your neighborhood, a favorite trail, or even your treadmill, this race is wherever you make it.
For those in the Chicago area, we’re planning a special block party celebration in Oak Park on race day. Details below — we’d love to see you there!
If you are local, join us at the Team Owen Block Party!
Where: 900 block of N. Grove Ave, Oak Park, IL
When: Saturday, September 20, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Join us for a day of fun, food, and live music at the Team Owen Block Party! Everyone’s invited—neighbors, friends, and families. Come enjoy activities for all ages, delicious food, and an incredible lineup of local bands:
12:30–1:30 PM – The Island of the Misfit Toys
2:00–3:00 PM – Cousin Grant
3:30–4:30 PM – PTO Drama Club
5:00–6:45 PM – The Mann Fam Band 4.0
Bring your friends, bring your family—you don’t want to miss it!
Top Fundraisers
Top Individuals (62)
View AllRogers Family
$1,000.00 raised of $5,000.00
Sydney Petrzelka
$800.00 raised
Amanda Shaker
$750.00 raised
Julie Spyrison
$651.52 raised of $500.00
Erika Hakmiller
$562.00 raised of $500.00
Top Teams (12)
View AllShaker Recruitment Marketing
$7,602.00 raised of $5,000.00
Owen’s Crooked Cousins
$6,625.00 raised of $7,500.00
Spyrison Family
$1,706.52 raised of $1,000.00
Rogers Run for Owen
$1,000.00 raised of $5,000.00
Garofalo Family
$800.00 raised of $1,000.00
Support this campaign!
Donate NowSponsors
