Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I am running 26.2 miles for the NEC Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe intestinal disease that primarily affects premature babies. Through research, education, and advocacy, they unite patient families, clinicians, scientists, and other stakeholders to improve understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.

Like many children with NEC, my son was born premature and spent two months in the NICU. He faced significant challenges in his early life; unable to eat orally or process food properly, he struggled to thrive for the first two years. Due to his prematurity and condition, he is currently fed through a gastro tube and is non-verbal, functioning at a cognitive level of a 6-8 month old. The past decade has been a journey of navigating his complex medical and educational needs.

Being a parent of a neurodivergent child presents unique challenges that require not just love but also support from a community of health professionals and specially trained educators. This experience has fueled my passion for advocacy.

Why now? As an avid runner for the past decade, I have never taken on such an ambitious challenge with limited time to train. However, inspired by the NEC Society's mission and driven by my personal experiences, I have committed to running in the California International Marathon on December 7th, 2025. Growing up in Sacramento makes this journey even more special as I will share it with family and friends.

I invite you to join me in this important cause. My goal is to raise $1,000 USD for the NEC Society so they can continue their vital work in supporting families affected by NEC. If you've read this far—thank you! Your support means everything.