My name is Brooke Niermann, and I am honored to be running the New York City Marathon as part of Team Heart & Stroke, supporting the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. I’m dedicating this race to raising awareness and funds for heart and stroke research, prevention, and education- work that impacts millions of families each year. As an EMT in a rural community like Salisbury, Connecticut, I also see firsthand how critical cardiovascular health and emergency response resources are, which makes supporting this mission deeply personal.
I’ve always considered myself an athlete, but running was never something I loved. Last summer, I started running simply as a way to take up time, but somewhere along the way, it became something much more. Running has turned into a form of therapy for me; a space to think, to process, and to push myself in ways I didn’t expect. This journey has also come with meaningful milestones, which includes completing my first half-marathon this April!. Alongside that, my work in EMS has reshaped how I view my own health. I’ve seen how quickly life can change, and it has given me a deep sense of gratitude -and a responsibility to do something meaningful with it.
This run is especially meaningful to me as I race in honor of Kevin Huber. Kevin was a beloved father, husband, coach, and mentor, and someone I was fortunate to call a friend while working at the Salisbury School. He was not only a cherished member of the Salisbury community, but also a respected part of the New England baseball community. As he navigated surgeries and ongoing care related to his heart condition, Kevin relied heavily on the work and resources supported by the American Heart Association. His impact continues to be felt by so many, and I am proud to carry his spirit with me every step of this journey.
Running a marathon was something Kevin and I used to joke about often. I remember asking him if he thought I could ever actually do it, and in true Kevin fashion, he told me that sure, anyone can run a marathon, but most people don’t, because it takes a level of grit and commitment that not everyone is willing to give. You have to really want it. That perspective has stuck with me, and a major reason I made the commitment.
If you are able, please consider supporting this effort with a donation. Every contribution helps advance critical research and programs that save lives. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping turn 26.2 miles into something much bigger.
