I'm running the 2026 BMW Berlin Marathon for Alzheimer's Research UK in honor of my Yiayia, my Greek grandmother, who is living with dementia.

My Yiayia has always been fascinated by marathons. She loves the story of Pheidippides, the messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver news of victory, a story deeply connected to her Greek heritage.

While dementia has taken many of her memories today, my passion for running has become a special point of connection between us and a reminder that even in the face of dementia, meaningful moments remain. When I visit, she always reminds me that my name, Niki, means "victory" in Greek, and proudly tells anyone nearby that her granddaughter runs miles and miles at a time.

Watching someone you love slowly lose pieces of themselves is one of the most difficult experiences a family can endure. That's why I'm running this marathon. Not only to honor my Yiayia, but also to support the groundbreaking research that is bringing us closer to better treatments, earlier diagnoses, prevention, and ultimately a cure.

Every mile I run is for my Yiayia, for my family, and for the millions of people affected by dementia around the world. Every donation helps fuel the research needed to end the heartbreak of this disease and give future families hope.