This will be my 2nd marathon, and I'm very excited for the challenge and the opportunity to help fundraise for a great cause. Marisa's Mission has become increasingly close to home for my family, and I’m committed to using this marathon to help others who face the same fight with fewer resources and less support.
Shortly after I registered for the marathon, we fell into all-too-familiar territory. My mom was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. After a courageous three‑month battle, she passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 1st. Around the same time as her diagnosis, my uncle (her brother) underwent an organ transplant as part of his own fight with a similar diagnosis. Watching them, as well as my sister a few years back, navigate treatment and recovery has been difficult, and it has reinforced something we all know: cancer impacts entire families, and not everyone has the same level of support or resources.
My family was fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible network of friends, loved ones, and caregivers who showed up for us in ways we’ll never forget. Not every family has that same level of support. Running this marathon is my way of honoring my mom and others who fight her battle and paying forward even a small piece of what was given to us—helping patients and families focus on what matters most during the fight of their lives.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
