Running for Wellness: Sheil Home Takes on the Shamrock Shuffle
This past Sunday, a group of youth and staff from Sheil Home, part of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, participated in the 2025 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, marking an exciting milestone in their wellness journey. What started as a simple goal to stay active during the winter months quickly turned into a powerful experience for everyone involved.
The idea to take part in the Shamrock Shuffle came from a summer wellness challenge that Stephen Guardino, Sheil Youth Care Worker, spearheaded. Last summer, the youth participated in a challenge that tracked their hydration and physical activity, preparing them for manual labor during a service trip to Mississippi. The success of that initiative inspired the team to keep the momentum going and sign up for the Shamrock Shuffle—a 8K race held annually in Chicago. It was the perfect way to keep youth and staff motivated to stay active during the colder months and tie in with the Bulls Winter Wellness Challenge.
"We knew it would be a great opportunity to challenge ourselves and to expose some of the youth to the running community here in Chicago," said Sarah Kelley, Sheil Home staff member and 2024 Mercy Home Hero. And with a few youth already taking an interest in running, the Shamrock Shuffle was a perfect fit.
A total of 20 Sheil Home youth and staff signed up, eager to take part in the race. While some initially weren’t thrilled about waking up at 6 AM on a Sunday morning and braving the chilly weather before the race, they quickly warmed up to the experience. "The guys were a little skeptical at first, but by the end of the race, they were in great spirits and felt so proud of themselves," said Kelley.
One of the big motivators? McDonald's Shamrock Shakes waiting for them at the finish line! While that was a fun incentive, the real reward came from the personal achievements and camaraderie the group built throughout the event. The turnout was incredible, with a team spirit that was contagious. "It was a great turnout and a real testament to the dedication of Sheil Home staff, who showed up early on a Sunday to bring positive energy and support," Kelley added.
For two of the youth, Eddie and Lawrence, the Shamrock Shuffle wasn’t just a race—it was a personal goal come to life. Both of them ran the 8K for the first time, setting personal records (PRs) and crushing their goals. "Eddie has a goal of running a marathon someday, so this was a great way to gauge where he’s at in terms of training," said Kelley. "Lawrence got into running as part of his personal health journey, and now, I think it’s safe to say he’s hooked! He wants to keep running and see how far he can go."
For the staff, the main goal was to support the youth in their wellness goals and build team camaraderie. The race wasn’t just about finishing—it was about growing as individuals and as a group. "It was an opportunity to encourage the boys to push their limits and take pride in their accomplishments, no matter how big or small," the staff member shared.
The event was such a success that the team hopes to make it an annual tradition. "A huge thank you to Mary and the Mercy Home Heroes team for making this possible for Sheil Home. We had an amazing experience, and I’d love to see more Mercy Home youth take part in events like this in the future."
As the group posed for pictures after crossing the finish line, it was clear that the Shamrock Shuffle wasn’t just a race—it was a celebration of hard work, personal growth, and the power of teamwork. For the boys and staff at Sheil Home, it was a reminder that running can do more than build physical endurance—it can build character, too.
