In March of 2021, I lost my older brother, Charles, to COVID-19. Charles was an individual with special needs and when he passed away the funeral home in my hometown, Yuma, AZ, was filled with people who’s life he had touched. Instead of a pastor, we chose to let attendees speak briefly on how he touched their lives. A common theme among those who chose to speak was his true zest for life. Despite his limitations, he went to a janitorial job every day at the US Border Patrol station through a program which facilitated part-time work for special needs citizens and he brightened everyone’s day with his stories and easy smile. He participated in the Special Olympics, he rode his bike everywhere, and he never met a stranger. I’ve had great difficulty dealing with his loss and training for the NYC Marathon has been great for me. So I run for Bubba because he can’t run anymore and I run for Henry Street because he taught me that life is so precious and that you should take every opportunity to be a friend and helper to others in your community.