This year I am running the London Marathon to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation. MRF is working to support and connect people and research to drive action and save lives. MRF raises funds, awareness, and education around meningitis to help transform public policy that helps scientists, researchers, and public health practitioners understand the infection and it's impact as well as increase awareness of signs and symptoms for people and patient groups. 

I have chosen to run with MRF because in 2010 my family experienced the unimaginable when we lost my beautiful younger sister, Andrea, to bacterial meningitis. Rea was the type of person that made every day better - she was full of life, passion, and a love for people. 

Rea was taken from us too soon due to a lack of understanding and awareness of the meningitis infection and what proper care for patients looks like. Raising funds for MRF means that patients and families like ours will have a better understanding of their options and care. 

While my initial goal is to raise $4000 for MRF, I hope that together we are able to raise even more to benefit an organization doing incredible, life-saving work.