Doing Good, One Mile at a Time: Kati Fratesi’s Road to Boston
Kati Fratesi, Delta Kappa-South Florida, has dedicated the past 16 years to supporting Delta Gamma’s Service for Sight philanthropy. During her undergraduate years, she dedicated over 40 hours per year to various causes, including the Lighthouse for the Blind, Lions Eye Institute, Southeastern Guide Dogs and other local organizations.
After graduating from the University of South Florida, Kati worked as a Collegiate Development Consultant (CDC), traveling across North America to support Delta Gamma’s collegiate chapters. In this role, she prioritized cultivating a philanthropic spirit by fundraising for and increasing awareness of Service for Sight.
Kati discovered her love for running during her senior year of college when her roommate encouraged her to sign up for a half marathon. “Since that first race, I was hooked!” she said. During her time as a consultant, she even shared her passion for running by going on runs with collegians.
After moving to Chicago, Kati participated in her first marathon, the 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The experience ignited her passion for long-distance running, and she has since completed 12 marathons, including five of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors. On April 21, 2025, she will compete in the Boston Marathon to earn her Six Star Medal.
Kati is not only running the Boston Marathon – she is also making an impact while doing so. She is a member of Team With A Vision’s Boston Marathon charity team, raising funds to support the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI).
For 30 years, Team With A Vision has increased awareness and raised essential funds for MABVI. The international team of runners, both blind and sighted, races to spread the message that with the right support, anything is possible.
Reflecting on her journey, Kati said, “Running the Boston Marathon while representing MABVI’s Team With A Vision is a culmination of my marathon journey and my passion for supporting the blind and low-vision community. Combining my love for running with my advocacy feels like the ultimate privilege, and I can’t wait to cross the finish line, earning both my sixth star and the chance to give back in a meaningful way.”
