My name is Ricki Garibaldi. When I was 7 years old, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and arthritis. I spent much of my childhood in and out of the hospital. I learned very early what it means to live with chronic illness.

In high school, I discovered running, something I was told might never be possible for me. Because of my arthritis, there was a real concern that without proper treatment, I could lose my ability to walk, let alone run. Running became more than a sport; it became a way to take ownership of my body and my story.

Today, I run every day to remind myself that my illness does not get to decide what I can or cannot do.

When I was 19, I was introduced to Jessica and the It Takes Guts community. Since then, they have supported me through medical challenges, personal struggles, and everything in between. They showed up for me in ways that truly mattered.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, I’ll be running the Golden Gate Trail Classic. I’m running this race not only to continue proving to myself that I can, but to give back to a community that means a lot to me.

I’m raising money for It Takes Guts so they can continue supporting children, young adults, and families navigating life with chronic illness. Every dollar raised helps ensure that no family has to face these challenges alone.

To learn more about their mission, please visit www.ittakesguts.org.

Thank you for supporting my run, the mission of this special community, and the It Takes Guts families.

Whatever It Takes: Ricki’s Golden Gate Trail 50K for It Takes Guts

By IT TAKES GUTS

Whatever It Takes: Ricki’s Golden Gate Trail 50K for It Takes Guts