Please help me to raise money for our Foundation leading up to my fourth and final half marathon!

On September 11, 2016, I will complete my fourth (and final) half marathon! Completing a distance run when you are not really a runner is both a tough and a very special experience. I completed my first half marathon 14 years ago in Harrisburg, PA. I ran with my sister Kass for the entire race. She was much faster than me, but she stayed with me until the very end. It was a special day for us and a memory that I hold next to my heart always. My parents were there, just like they have always been for every big event in our lives.  I ran that race for LOVE.

The experience in 2002 was to prepare for my first (and only) marathon. I also ran that one with Kass, my brother Tim, and my brother-in-law. After mile 13, I ran the second half of that race completely on my own, as I had lost track of Kass, and Tim did not finish due to a hamstring pull. Let me just say that I am humbled by those who have completed multiple marathons. That experience tested my limits and helped me to establish them for the future. I realized when I finally crossed that finish line that I am not a distance runner! 🙂

My two most recent runs have been in 2013 in Rochester, NY where I completed the Rochester Lilac Festival Half Marathon along with my cousin Tina and my friend Nora; and in 2015 in Philadelphia where I completed the Rock N’ Roll Half Marathon.

I ran Rochester Half to honor the absolute GRACE my sister showed during her life, most exemplified during the year she fought cancer.

Just last year, I ran the Philadelphia Half to for HOPE to remind myself that even when the worst circumstances happen in your life, you can still pick up the pieces and let hope carry you through. Losing my Dad so closely following the loss of my sister has been a difficult experience that is challenging to describe to someone who has not experienced it themselves. There really are no words.

On September 11, 2016, I will return to where it all began to complete my fourth and final half marathon.  I will run this final half marathon for FAITH. I continue to work to strengthen my faith every single day. It is so easy to doubt and to question when bad things happen.

I have a bible passage in a frame in my office that reads: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  -Hebrews, 11:1.”  This is the sentiment I will carry with me during my last long race.

I will be thinking about Kass and Dad, I will be thinking about 2002 when I ran the very same course with Kass, but I will also think about the thousands of families whose hearts are still aching after the events of September 11, 2001. There are so many reasons to run this final race on this day in this place.

In order to honor my Dad and my sister, I will be raising money for our Foundation and I humbly ask for your donation. Any amount is so appreciated! 100% of donations will go to the Foundation, as I handle all of the race day fees and travel and food costs personally.  It is true win-win! Your donation helps others through the work of the Foundation, your support reminds me that I can complete this 13.1 mile race for the last time!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story!  God bless.