Why I Run

In 2012, I ran my first marathon in Nashville, Tennessee with a group of college friends and my boyfriend (Joe) at the time. I ended up qualifying for Boston during that marathon. I swore to myself during the race, I would never run a marathon again. Once I found out I qualified that all went out the window. Little did I know the 2013 Boston marathon would change our lives forever. My college friends, Joe and my parents all came to support me running Boston. I ran well and finished 30 minutes before the first bombs went off. We were very fortunate to all make it out unharmed. From that point on we promised each other I would run Boston again at the 5 year mark (2018) and 10 year mark (2023). As our lives changed over those years, my boyfriend became my husband, I had a baby girl four months prior to the five year mark for my Boston number two and a son one year after that. The 2018 Boston race turned out to be one of the worst weather forecast of all time, but everyone still showed up to watch me finish in the sleet and torrential downpour pour at times. And for Boston number three it was the last time Joe saw me run a good marathon. Shortly after returning from Boston, Joe was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal colon cancer. Joe stayed positive and managed to continue running while sick until he could not. Joe passed away just 11 months after being diagnosed. Our families life changed in the blink of an eye. I quickly had to adjust to now being a single mom, raising two kids 5 and 6 at the time, while also working full time. Managing my grief along with my kids grief has been a difficult road. Running daily gives me that 30minute to 1.5 hour break from reality, I need.

Joe was my best friend, my biggest running supporter. He came to every race, big, small, rain, or shine, even hoping in with me for the last half mile when I was 16 weeks pregnant qualifying for that second Boston. He was there. When covid hit, he would stay outside and give me gatorade and water for those virtual marathons at 4am so I could finish before the kids woke up for the day. He got me interested in running races and now 17 marathons later, I run in his memory. It has been a dream of mine to run all the majors. Unfortunately, I started chasing this dream a little too late, Joe has only seen me run two of the majors (Boston and Chicago). Now I know he is watching down on me to finish this goal. I am very honored to run for Allyson Whitney Foundation and to support all they do for young adults affected by rare cancers. Unfortunately knowing first hand what a terrible disease this is and how much it can tear a family apart, it can also bring a family together.

Young adults shouldn’t have to choose between paying for treatment or paying for survival needs. They shouldn’t face cancer alone.
Our Berlin Marathon team runs with purpose—and with your support, The Allyson Whitney Foundation fuels hope, dignity, and strength.
Every gift—big or small—pushes us closer to the finish line of support and survival.
Thank you for your donation and making my miles count!