Hi everyone! I’m Sydney, and this year I’m running the NYC Marathon in honor of my grandmother, who survived multiple strokes before ultimately passing away from stroke complications. As an American Heart Association employee, I see firsthand every day how urgently we need to educate, support, and empower women when it comes to cardiovascular disease and stroke; the No. 1 killer of women.

My grandmother’s story, and the stories I hear through my work, fuel my commitment to making sure the generations of women in my family, and women everywhere, have the resources to recognize the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease and stroke early. This mission is deeply personal, and running this marathon is one way I’m turning that passion into action.

I’ve watched my dad and sister run the NYC Marathon, and now I’m so excited to join them on the course. But this time, I’m running for something bigger. I’m running for my grandma. I’m running for awareness. I’m running for every woman whose life could be saved with more education and access.

Every mile I train, and every dollar raised, helps support the lifesaving work the American Heart Association is doing in New York City and across the country. I’m incredibly grateful for your support, it means more than you know.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
‍ — Sydney