Hi and welcome to my page! I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to participate in the New York City Marathon while supporting Running for Rare, a program of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). NORD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with rare conditions by prioritizing research, advocacy, and community. Through Running for Rare, participants like myself have the chance to raise both awareness and critical funds for those affected by rare conditions.

I am running this marathon in honor of my fiancé’s late brother, Doug, who we lost suddenly in August of 2023 due to complications related to his chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Doug was one of the strongest people I have ever known. He faced the daily challenges of his illness with incredible resilience while continuing to live life with joy and determination. Anyone who knew Doug remembers how his laughter could fill an entire room. Despite the obstacles he faced, he approached each day with unwavering positivity and prioritized his physical health, spending countless hours in the gym. If you saw Doug, you would never have known he was battling a chronic illness—he had the physique of a modern-day superhero. The physical and mental strength he demonstrated continues to inspire me, and it will be the model I carry with me throughout this marathon journey.

After Doug’s passing, our family discovered NORD and created a fundraising page in his memory in lieu of flower donations. We want to continue honoring him by raising awareness for the countless individuals who are living with rare disorders. While I wish we had discovered NORD under different circumstances, my goal is to turn this experience into something meaningful and positive.

My hope is that the funds raised will support vital research, help provide answers for patients and families, and ease some of the financial burdens that often come with treatment. Thank you so much for your support and for helping us honor Doug’s legacy.