I am Alice Hou, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, a college graduate from The University of Texas at Austin and a Technology PM at Bank of America in NYC for the last two years. Welcome to my first ever marathon journey! I am running to support The Chinese FreeMasons Athletic Club. Growing up in Texas, I struggled with my Chinese-American identity and fitting in with my peers. I connected with my heritage through traditional Chinese dance, where I learned to embrace and take pride in my Chinese roots. It wasn’t until I moved to New York post grad that I began running. I sought out run clubs as a way to meet new people, which ultimately led me to finding Run For Chinatown. RFC connected me with a vibrant running community of like-minded Chinese Americans and introduced me to The Chinese FreeMasons Athletic Club. I strongly believe in CFMAC’s mission of educating our youth about Chinese heritage and providing them a safe space in Chinatown (via the recreational center) to congregate. I am running this marathon for CFMAC to pay it forward to a cultural community that has given me so much and to the next generation of Chinese Americans in NYC. Your donation, however big or small, will directly support CFMAC’s efforts in Chinatown. Thank you in advance for supporting me and this incredible cause!