My parents always pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and to strive to be the best version of myself. They always encouraged me to try new things and to set goals. They instilled in me a fire to dream big and to always lead by example.

I am not a runner. I have never been, and I never will be. I am going to do this marathon one time to honor the memory of my parents. I know they would be proud of this effort. Deep down, my dad always was a New Yorker to his core. If his health allowed, I think he would have done the marathon when he retired. He always said he wanted to do it. So, I am going to do it with his spirit and my mother’s spirit on my shoulders. I know Team JDJ is going to crush it this year.

Thank you for supporting my effort. Part of what we raise will go towards helping cancer families like mine that are battling today. The other part will go towards bettering the wheelchair community though providing power and adaptive chairs for kids in need.