Aurora mayor John Laesch honored a community member who ran the entirety of the Mississippi River this summer, raising more than $12,000 for childhood cancer research.
City of Aurora government photo
Grant Bell is an Aurora resident, makerspace manager at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), avid runner, and running coach. He was born and raised on the shores of the Mississippi River in Saint Cloud, Minn., and has competed in long-distance running events throughout high school, college, and into his adult life. That was not always the case, though.
As a child, Bell suffered from Legg-Calve-Perthes, which is a rare childhood hip disorder where the blood supply to the femoral head (ball of the hip joint) is temporarily lost, causing the bone to break down and die. Bell was wheelchair-bound for a time, suffered from muscular atrophy, and experienced chronic pain in his hip and leg. After a matter of weeks, though, Bell underwent a miraculous recovery process that left him inspired. His pain, over time, went away, and he was able to stand and walk with a correctly formed hip. This allowed him to pick up running, initially as a hobby, before competing throughout his teenage and adult years.
Fast forward to May 31, 2026, and Bell set an ambitious goal: To run the entire length of the Mississippi River in just 70 days while raising money along the way for childhood cancer research. The total trek would be 2,139 miles all on foot, running through rain, sunshine, heat waves, and even tornadoes. What would motivate Bell to conduct this seemingly improbable expedition? The answer was his niece.
Less than one year ago, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare, aggressive form of cancer that primarily develops in the bones or surrounding soft tissues of children, teenagers, and young adults. Although Bell’s niece has kept a brave face and positive attitude throughout treatment, the diagnosis struck a chord for Bell, who noted that this was the closest personal connection he has had in his life to someone with cancer. This drove Bell to use his running talent for a purpose and dedicate his summer to spreading awareness about childhood cancer.
What was supposed to be a 70-day journey beginning in Lake Itasca, Minn. ended up officially lasting just 52 days. Bell beat his own target by averaging an impressive 41 miles per day on the ground. On July 18 at noon, Bell made it to Venice, La. to complete the run with no injuries to report and more than $12,000 raised for childhood cancer research. Bell’s remarkable resolve, dedication, and perseverance was honored by Aurora mayor John Laesch at the Aurora City Council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 25.
“Grant conquered the Mississippi River Trail and made such a significant impact,” mayor Laesch said. “His endurance, dedication, and service to Aurora and beyond truly make the City proud.”
“For a long time, I lived and ran because I could,” Bell said. “Now, so many years later, I still run because I can, but also because how could I not? Running has grown from a part of my life to my life. I have been very lucky in my life, and always want to help others prosper with what I can do that they might not be able to.”
—City of Aurora government