Marathon brings dual success for SAMC physical therapist

Brooke Nack runs 8-minute miles;
raises $1,124 for Capital Campaign

CROWN POINT - Brooke Nack accomplished twofold goals she had set prior to running in the recent 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

The Saint Anthony Medical Center physical therapist raised $1,124 – more than the $1,000 amount she had hoped -- in pledges that she will donate to the hospital’s Capital Campaign. In addition, her average time per mile was 8.28 minutes; she had aimed for under nine minutes. Nack completed the 26-mile course in three hours, 42 minutes. It was her first marathon.
I was so sore, especially in the quads, afterward and I think the cold weather had something to do with it. I went for a muscular massage on Tuesday after the race and it helped a lot.’’

Nack took about a week off from running to recover.

“I would do it again,’’ she said of attempting another marathon, adding, “I’m thankful I work for an organization that contributes resources to philanthropic efforts. As the organization is willing to give, so I want to give.’’ Nack also contributes to the cause through an employee giving program.

The Capital Campaign, which began last February and is scheduled to run through the end of next year, seeks to raise $4.5 million, half of which is being matched by a private community donor, to build a new complex to house the St. Clare Health Clinic and the Prenatal Assistance Program, both of which provide free services for underprivileged area residents.

Campaign chairman Joseph Allegretti donated the last $100 Nack needed to reach the $1,000 goal; subsequent donations allowed her to exceed that amount.
“It’s just great that Brooke went the extra 26 miles to raise funds for the Capital Campaign,’’ Allegretti said.

Nack said family members, friends from her church and Saint Anthony employees each contributed about one-third of the proceeds.
“I even had patients coming up to me and donating; that was heartwarming. There also was so much support at the race. I was wearing a shirt with my name on it and people were calling it out and cheering me on – it was great,’’ she said.