A MESSAGE FROM Jona
As you may know, I am running my second NYC Half Marathon in March! This year is special. Not only am I running it in honor of my dear friend Samantha Kurkjy who passed from ovarian cancer, I am also running with my husband Emil (who is training for his first half marathon) and my best friend Olatokunbo!
I hope you can support me in raising funds for Tell Every Amazing Lady®, an amazing nonprofit that offers women’s health and wellness services, including public awareness and education of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer, provide support to those impacted by the disease and raise critical funds for research in order to find a screening test and a cure.
Often times, ovarian cancer is diagnosed too late because its symptoms are subtle (bloating, weight loss/gain, lack of appetite, frequent urination, change in menstrual periods, back pain, etc.) These are symptoms that most women (and doctors) brush off as stress, the realities of aging or (EEEK!) perimenopause/menopause. That's why it's so important to not only spread awareness of this disease, but to raise funds for research in order to develop a screening test.
In addition to supporting this cause, I also want to thank you for supporting my running journey. My work protecting immigrant communities and defending due process in this political climate has physically and emotionally drained me. Running has become a way for me to carve out time for myself, not only to destress but to recharge and remain grounded so I can continue showing up for this work. Running not only keeps me physically strong, but gives me the mental clarity and resilience I need to keep fighting.
To Every Amazing Lady: Listen to your body and advocate for yourself when something doesn't feel right. You deserve to be heard, cared for and supported. to Sam: "Fun Run Race for the Cure!"
Once again, thank you for your support and see you at the finish line!
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