In 2019, my Aunt Maggie Broeren was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is also known as motor neurone disease (MND) in Europe. ALS/MND is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, and the body is slowly robbed of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. There is no known cure and the life expectancy after diagnosis is between 2 and 5 years.

I'm running a marathon in the best city in the world, London, to raise hope and awareness for this truly horrid disease. If you know Maggie, you know that her smile and unwavering positivity light up any room she's in. Despite her diagnosis and the tremendous physical and mental difficulties it has brought on, she wakes up every day with a smile on her face, and a genuine excitement for whatever adventure lies ahead. If she can do that, I can certainly run a marathon for 4 hours on a Sunday in April.

Together, Maggie and I conquered both the 2022 Walk to Defeat ALS and the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on the very same day––October 9, 2022. You can learn more about our story here: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/chicago-marathon/woman-to-run-2022-bank-of-america-chicago-marathon-to-honor-aunt-battling-als/2959378/

We'd love your help in this next chapter as I take on the London Marathon in April with Team MND. The MND Association focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support. Every penny you raise will make a difference to people with ALS/MND and their families. You could fund vital research to help us find a cure, and help support people living with ALS/MND now.