I’m running the 2026 New York City Marathon with Team KEEN!

KEEN has been part of my life long before running a marathon was ever on my radar. I first got involved in high school, where I volunteered with KEEN for four years. I initially signed up as a way to get involved in my community, but it quickly became one of the things I looked forward to most.

I always loved the Sundays when we had KEEN. Whether it was our regular programs, KEEN Prom, 5Ks, or other events, I got to know an amazing group of athletes and families. What I remember most isn’t one particular event. It’s how much fun we had. KEEN created a place where everyone could show up, be themselves, make friends, and feel like they belonged. I’m lucky that some of the relationships I made during those years have stayed with me long after high school.

A lot has changed since then. I left Bethesda for college at the University of Georgia, graduated, moved to New York City, and somewhere along the way decided that running 26.2 miles sounded like a good idea. But when it came time to choose an organization to run for, there was never really a question in my mind. It had to be KEEN. Getting to take on my first marathon while supporting an organization that was such a meaningful part of my life growing up makes the experience that much more special.

So on November 1, I’ll be taking on the New York City Marathon and raising $3,000 for KEEN along the way. Every dollar raised helps KEEN continue providing free recreational programs for young people with disabilities and gives more athletes and families the chance to be part of the community I was so lucky to experience firsthand.

I know 26.2 miles won’t be easy, but I can’t think of a better reason to run them. Thank you for donating, sharing my page, cheering me on, or supporting Team KEEN in any way. It truly means a lot to me.

THANK YOU!