Ivy Draganova started running to deal her grief after her baby daughter died, but on Oct. 11, she's running to complete a new challenge — to finish the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and to raise money for a charity she holds dear.

"When (my daughter) passed, I was, of course, in horrible shape," Draganova said. "My therapists suggested because I could not sleep to start running, so I started running. Why not do something with my life and for Gia's memory and help out any way I can." 

Gia was born with a single coronary ostial stenosis, a rare disease that often claims the life of a baby before birth. In her short time on earth, Gia fought hard and survived a heart transplant after her own heart stopped beating at only 2.5 weeks.

While Gia fought for her life at Lurie Children's Hospital, Draganova stayed nearby at the Ronald McDonald House with her sister and her nephews. Although the days spent at the house were difficult for Draganova, she credits the staff for taking "complete care" of her and giving her a nice place to stay during the uncertain time.

Gia eventually succumbed to her illness, but her memory stays alive in her mother's newfound passion for running. On Oct. 11, Draganova will run the Chicago Marathon to honor Gia, who she calls the "strong, most amazing person I have ever met." She'll also run to raise money for the Ronald McDonald's House.

"I just keep saying I want to be strong like Gia," Dragonova said. "She went through so much, and I should be able to run 26.2 miles at least."