To understand my journey and why this cause is so important to me, we must quickly go back to the beginning. I found running when I was turning 38. I was going through a divorce, I was over weight and unhealthy. I could barely walk a mile, let alone run one. It was hard, it was painful, and I loved it. The health benefits started kicking in. I began losing weight and enjoyed the mental clarity and the time with myself. I ran my first half marathon, and then at 40 ran my first marathon. It was excruciating, it was five hours of "I never want to do this again", but when I crossed that finish line I knew I was addicted. I know many that run marathons and understand that feeling! I wanted to run more, and I did. I wanted to qualify for NY and Boston, and I did! In the midst of chaos and pain.

In 2014 I was hit by a car while running in a crosswalk. She was going 45mph. My doctor called me a walking miracle. What saved my life was that I didn't see it coming. Whether I call it a miracle is left to be said. I suffered from a brain injury, and the journey to recovery has been a long 8 years. After enduring brain trauma, I had two strokes, almost three years after the accident with lack of cognitivity. I had to learn how to run again, knee surgery, doctors telling me I should give up running, and I wouldn't run again. The obstacles that come with a brain injury are endless and for those on the outside looking in, you look ok, they have no idea of the endless pain that goes on inside.

But let's get to the good part. I never quit on myself. I vowed I would run marathons again. I vowed that I wouldn't stop healing and getting better. I have a tremendous amount of respect for those that help and do the research for those with brain injuries and trauma. I took for granted just how much opportunity I had in life, until I almost didn't have it. The brain is a miracle and I will never under estimate it.

The NY marathon I qualified for was my last marathon in 2015, I had qualified so I went. It took a grueling five and a half hours to get to the finish line and I walked much of it. The NY Marathon in 2023 was my first marathon back! My goal, to run a sub 4. I ran it in 3:55:59.

I have always wanted to run a sub 3 marathon. My qualifying times were a 3:17 when I was competing. Now I am on that path, that journey; with determination, will, and mental strength I will get there. My goal for Berlin, run a sub 3.

Now I ask for your help to get me to the finish line. Donate to a cause near and dear to me. With help from foundations such as this we can help others that suffered just like me. I was blessed to come back out on the other side and do what I love, to run.