Hello pals!

Once upon a time, I used to skip high school track practice to go grab ice cream. And now here I am gearing up to run 26.2 miles through the streets of NYC. Growth, right?

So, why am I doing this?

Because I’ve come to believe deep in my bones that every human being, no matter their story, is essential to the fabric of our society. And I’m running to support BRC, an NYC-based nonprofit that helps individuals reclaim their lives from homelessness, mental illness, and addiction.

BRC shows up every day for more than 3,000 vulnerable New Yorkers, offering real, human-centered support and a path toward stability. What they do reminds me of the power of a hand up (something we’ve all needed at one point or another). Their work is gritty, hopeful, and transformative. It’s what community should be.

So yeah, I’m a little crazy. But I’m also crazy determined to raise funds and awareness for a cause that brings hope and healing to those who need it most.

I’m running in memory of my brother Jon, who passed away in 2022. Jon was the kind of person who gave everyone he met a lift and I know he’d be cheering me on at every mile marker with some ridiculously embarrassing sign. I’m also running in honor of my little nephew Luca who I hope grows up knowing exactly how strong and capable he is.

And of course, I’m running for every single New Yorker who’s faced hard times and is working their way toward something better with BRC by their side.

Thank you for being in my corner, supporting my journey, and helping me give back to a cause I deeply care about.

With gratitude and sore legs,

Lara