September 6th, 2016 marks the beginning of my recovery from heroin after years of active addiction. As I celebrate my 10 year anniversary of living a life I would have never thought possible, it's important to me to be in the position of giving back to harm reduction facilities–many of which I have personally benefitted from, whether it was using their services or receiving moments of empathy and compassion. I am running the marathon this year to continue challenging myself to show that people can change, and to continue pushing the boundaries of personal milestones. I am so grateful to have had the last 10 years of adventures, growth, and friendship, and I can't think of a cooler way to start my second decade than by running through the city I love so much. The only types of programs I sought out were those with a harm reduction program, which is how I landed on supporting BRC–a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals undergoing homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Donating to BRC is important because I see their vans all around the city, and working with individuals directly. Now more than ever, it's important that organizations like BRC thrive to help those who need a lifeline more than ever.

Please join me in supporting the more than 3,000 vulnerable New Yorkers that BRC serves each day, as I run to help create a path from homelessness to home.

Learn more about BRC and the people they serve at www.BRC.org.