A MESSAGE FROM Zoe Herman
Running the New York City Marathon has always been a dream of mine. Growing up in New York, those 26.2 miles through the five boroughs have always held a special place in my heart, and this year I get to make it happen for a reason so much greater than a finish line.
This past September, I lost someone very close to me. Kylie was a dear family friend who I have known since we were both three years old. Our families grew up together, and she was one of the warmest, most genuinely kind people I have ever been around. She never had a bad word for anyone, she loved the color pink, and her smile was the kind that made everyone around her feel better just by being near her. When she was just a little girl, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and spent the next 15 years fighting with more strength and grace than most people could ever imagine. She never complained, never gave up, and faced every obstacle that came her way with a quiet courage that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
I only started running last year, and this past November I completed my first half marathon in Richmond. Taking on 26.2 miles in New York City feels both terrifying and right, and I cannot think of a more meaningful reason to do it than honoring Kylie and supporting the families going through what hers went through.
I am running with the Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors, also known as IronMatt. What drew me to this organization is how directly and practically they help families. When a child is diagnosed with a brain tumor, the financial weight on a family is enormous, and IronMatt steps in to help cover real everyday expenses like mortgages, utilities, and transportation so that parents can focus on being present with their child. At the same time, they fund research aimed at finding better, less harmful treatments. Since 2009 they have helped nearly 2,200 children and families across the country, and that kind of tangible, immediate impact is exactly what I want to support in Kylie's name.
My fundraising goal is $10,000 and every dollar goes directly toward families navigating one of the hardest things a family can face. If you are able to give, it would mean so much to me and to the kids and families IronMatt serves.
Follow IronMatt on Facebook and Instagram @IronMattLarson to stay connected to the work your donation supports.
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