My "why" for running with the American Heart Association starts with my dad. In 2021 he suffered a major heart attack that caught us all by complete surprise. Thanks to some quick heroics from my mom and his doctors at our local hospital, he made it through. His recovery and commitment to remaining active has been nothing short of inspiring.

While we are lucky to still have him, I know there are so many others who aren't as fortunate and I'm running for them too.

This year, I'd like to also honor Mark Rosenman who passed suddenly in May from a heart-related condition. Mark was the father of one of my best and oldest childhood friends, and someone I was lucky to know for over 20 years. He took a unique interest in my athletic career and was an extremely devoted supporter - sending me regular emails before soccer games at Wesleyan and if I had a tough loss, joking that it was his fault if he hadn't emailed me prior. In addition to being an all around amazing person and supporter, Mark was an incredible runner, finishing the 1991 Boston Marathon in 3:03! While I certainly won’t be able to match Mark’s ridiculously fast time, I want to celebrate his memory with my run and fundraising this year.

Any donation you’re able to make (no matter the size) goes a long way in funding the life saving research of the American Heart Association.

Thank you for your support!