It's more than a marathon.
For more than 20 years, running the NYC Marathon has been a dream.
I ran my first and only marathon 15 years ago, but NYC has always the one I wanted. I entered the lottery many times but was never selected. Then life happened. Somewhere along the way, I quietly set pieces of myself aside: my confidence, time, peace, and belief that I was still allowed to dream big.
In 2025, my daughter, Josée, and I traveled to NYC to watch the marathon. Race morning, we heard the story of a 79-year-old man who ran his first marathon at age 75 and was running NYC again. His story hit...if he could begin at 75, maybe my dream wasn't over at 60.
Then, before the elites reached us at Mile 16, I felt the nudge. A whisper that said, "Your story isn't over."
When I returned home, I received clearance from my healthcare team (I'm 60, for goodness' sake! 😊) and started training. Problem? I hadn't run a mile in three years. But one step led to one mile; then two...
I'm also running for my niece, Andree' Pitre Long, who lives with cystic fibrosis. Watching Andree' face challenges with courage, resilience, and determination inspires me. That's why I'm honored to run with Team Breathe in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
By the grace of God and the love of my children, Josée and Peyton; my daughter-in-law, Alicia; my sister, Robbin; my niece, Andree'; my mentor, Almon Gunter; my close friends (you know who you are!); and my incredible USF students, I've been reminded that it's never too late.
My fundraising goal is $10,000 to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Every dollar helps fund life-changing research, treatments, and care while bringing hope to individuals and families like mine.
My marathon goal? Make it to the start line, healthy. After that, I'll trust God, my training to tackle the five boroughs across 26.2. Walking and crawling counts:) Tears of pain and joy allowed. There will conversations with the startline, the Queensboro Bridge, the wall, and mile 22 where runners are challenged with a full mile grade.
If you believe in the power of prayer, please pray for healthy training, mental strength, and the courage to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
This journey isn't about proving I can run 26.2. It's about proving to myself that it's never too late to chase a dream AND reclaim my power, time, and spirit.
Thank you for believing in me and supporting Team Breathe!
Want to double your impact? Please ask your company if they match charitable contributions, and if so, please send them to the CF Foundation location in New York or to our national office in Bethesda, MD. Thank you!
