I am so privileged, honored, and excited to run the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon with Team Komen. 

As some of you may know, I've been an avid runner since the age of 14. Rain or shine, 9 degrees outside or 90 degrees, for 12 years I've found a way to get a run in almost every day of the week. 

What many of you may not know, is where this love of running came from. When I was in grade school, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer two separate times. This was such a scary, trying time for my family, especially as both my brother & I were under 10 years old. My mom thankfully recovered and our family was able to begin rebuilding our new sense of normalcy. 

During her recovery, my mom continued to prove to us every single day that she is the strongest, most supportive, most brave woman that we know. Aside from raising her children, managing a household, and going to work every single day, my mom picked up a new hobby: running! 

I would watch as she would come home from work, take care of my brother and I, and then still find time to go for runs and stay active. As an impressionable young girl, my mom completely changed my perspective and my life. 

I was never good at sports. Peers were joining high school sports teams and finding their niche, I still didn't have one. Until one day in early high school, I joined my mom for one of her evening jogs. This day changed my life.

The most meaningful part of this journey wasn't even that I'd found a sport I genuinely loved, it was getting to do it with my mom by my side. 

Growing up, my mom inspired me in so many ways. Among many other things, my mom's resilience still blows me away to this day. I used to watch her run races, participate in breast cancer walks, and raise funds for a cure. I would always think to myself "I can't wait until that's me!!". 

My mom has now watched me race and supported me throughout my running career for 12 years. Thanks to Team Komen, I get to return the favor, and not only race, but fundraise for an organization so close to my family and our story. 

With the support of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a system of strong, powerful individuals who fight every single day  to find a cure for breast cancer, my mom and so many other families are able to keep going and keep fighting. 

Running this race with my mom watching me from the sidelines of Manhattan will be such a special and full circle experience for me. 

I'm so grateful to Team Komen for the work they have done and continue to do every single day in raising funds to find a cure for breast cancer. 

Please consider donating to my personal fundraising page as I work towards running the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon!