When Michael and I first started dating, we used to run together—a lot. We also spent plenty of time riding scooters around D.C., sometimes even the same one—which explains the photo. Apparently, we have plenty of photographic evidence of the scooters and absolutely none of the running.

Fast forward several years... married and two kids later, and we’re much more likely to choose the scooter than the running shoes.

So, naturally, we decided it was time for a little friendly competition.

We’re not quite ambitious enough to tackle all 13.1 miles in one day like many of my colleagues will on September 20, but Michael and I are each committing to run 13.1 miles for the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH)—competing for bragging rights while working together to raise $1,300+ for biomedical research.

And that’s the part that really matters.

We all know someone whose life has been changed by cancer, mental health challenges, a rare disease, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, or another serious illness. At FNIH, we help bring together the people, resources, and partnerships needed to accelerate promising science and turn discoveries into better health. A gift to FNIH is an investment in breakthroughs that could one day change the life of someone you love. For me, that hope is especially personal when I think about cancer vaccines—and a future where we can prevent or stop cancers that have taken far too many people we love.

So pick your team: Team Michael. Team Jenny. Or Team “Just Get Back on the Scooter.”

Then help us reach our goal.

13.1 miles. $1,300+. One mission.

Give $13.10, $50, $100—or whatever feels meaningful. Every gift helps move promising science closer to the people who need it.

Thank you for cheering us on—and for helping us turn a little friendly competition into something that can make a real difference.