A MESSAGE FROM Harrison Shapiro TCS NYC Marathon Fundraising
I am very humbled and excited to say that I will be running the TCS New York City Marathon this year in 2026 in support of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation!
At three years old, I was told I would be a big brother to a little guy named Sawyer Shapiro. I have vague memories of Sawyer’s early childhood, but from what I can remember, I was so proud to be his big brother. My parents told me one day that Sawyer had his first seizure. It was just before he turned 7 months old, and I didn’t know what it meant other than it was scary and it changed our lives forever.
Over the years, I became desensitized to sirens from emergency vehicles coming to our house, and I even knew the first responders personally. That being said, as scary as it was, Sawyer is a fighter. From his first breath, we knew he would be a spirited, curious, loving, and funny young man. He has fought through hundreds of seizures as well as all of the other challenges Dravet throws in his path. Sawyer is now 15 years old and continues to grow and change through his challenges, but always with his amazing smile, sense of humor, and great attitude.
For me to run this race is a true full-circle moment. Back when I was younger, I always saw both my mother and my aunt representing Dravet Syndrome in many races. It was always appealing to me, yet I was never a runner. I have realized, though, that it is more than running. Its strength. It’s perseverance. It’s commitment. Just as the Dravet Syndrome Foundation has committed to supporting patients and families through their research, patient grants, and community. Supporting the Dravet Foundation in the TCS New York City Marathon is a true honor and a challenge I can’t wait to accomplish! Your donation will help me meet my goal and the goal of DSF to help kids living with Dravet and their families keep fighting with hope for better treatments and someday a cure. Thank you for your support!
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