2026 Illinois (Chicagoland) 5k SCADaddle© for Research

June 13, 2026

Another successful Chicagoland chip-timed run/walk took place on June 13, 2026 at Danada Forest Preserve, Wheaton, IL. This was Chicagoland’s 13th 5k raising funds for research and SCAD awareness!

Prior to the start of the 5k, participants lined up along both sides of the trail and recognized SCAD survivors as they processed together towards the start line.

All runners/walkers were timed. SCAD heart-shaped cookies were awarded to all the top finishers. Medals were given to all participants.

After the SCADaddle, participants browsed items from the SCAD store and enjoyed refreshments. As always, face painting was a popular attraction.

Thank you to our sponsors and to everyone who participated in this year’s event!

Numerous survivors along with several participants who lost a loved one to SCAD, our SCAD Angels, attended the annual 13th SCAD Social Reunion & Presentation on June 12,2026. Registrants enjoyed a delicious taco buffet at River Bend Golf Club, Lisle, IL. Survivors introduced themselves and shared when they had their SCAD(s).

The SCAD Social Reunion is always a weekend highlight. For some the reunion was an opportunity to reconnect with those they had met over the years. While for others, this was the first time they were able to meet another survivor in person.

After dinner, Ellen Robin, SCAD Research, Inc’s President, welcomed both those present in person and online. She introduced Dr. Patricia Best from Mayo Clinic SCAD Research Program who presented Mayo’s latest research findings.

Dr. Best talked about Mayo Clinic’s research, what is currently known about SCAD and Mayo’s future research plans. After her formal presentation, Dr. Best answered questions from both the in-person and virtual audiences. Click here to watch her presentation along with the Q&A portion that follows.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in Mayo Clinic’s research as well as those who have raised money to advance research. As noted in Dr. Best’s presentation, participation in research and everyone’s fundraising efforts are paying off!

We appreciate Nick D’Orazio for sharing his expertise streaming the Chicagoland presentation again this year. Nick lost his wife Mary to SCAD several years ago.

Sponsors play a key role in helping to raise money for research. Money raised through SCAD Research, Inc. help to fund the most promising research.

Thank you to this year’s sponsors especially

Nationwide Sponsor

Partner Sponsor

Powered by AIM*

Scopelitis, Garvin, Lights, Hanson & Feary
Law Firm

Benefactor Sponsor

*We would also like to recognize these businesses for being our sponsors since our first SCADaddle in 2012.

SCAD Research, Inc. is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. We truly appreciate Tara Anderson for her hard work again this year! Tara’s sister is a SCAD survivor.

We are also grateful to Tara’s family and all of the other volunteers who helped Tara along the way.

SCAD Research Inc.: WE Make Research Happen Now©