When I was younger, I had significant sensory needs that went unmet in the school system. My body was constantly overstimulated, which made it difficult to feel confident in my abilities. Simple things like movement and sensory breaks could have helped me focus and thrive throughout the school day.

Because those needs weren’t supported, I developed a complicated relationship with food and exercise that has followed me into adulthood. I believe many factors contributed to these struggles, but one key piece was being denied the movement and flexibility my body needed as a child.

In recent years, I’ve been working on my healing journey with the support of an incredible team of a dietitian, therapist, medication provider, doctor, and a recovery coach. They have become my greatest source of strength, and I truly don’t know where I’d be without them.

Recently, I started running. It’s become a powerful outlet for my mental health, a healthy, motivating reason to get up each day. As a psychology major focusing on cognitive neuroscience, I’ve learned even more about how traditional school systems often fail to accommodate students' diverse sensory and physical needs. While I’m grateful for the education I’ve received, I want to give other kids hope that they can learn about their bodies, stay active, and build healthy relationships with food and movement to support their mental and physical well-being.

That’s why I plan to run the 2026 Chicago Marathon with the NYRR Team for Kids. This charity raises funds to connect youth nationwide with running and fitness programs, helping them discover the importance of lifelong physical activity. I’m so excited for this opportunity and hope you’ll consider donating to this amazing cause, one that helps kids build confidence, health, and happiness through movement.