I’ve always felt a powerful call to help those facing life-altering trauma. The stories of resilience from the Stepping Strong Center fuel my passion and keep me moving forward. Each step I take is inspired by individuals whose strength and hope in the face of devastation push them to rebuild and thrive. Supporting them has become part of my purpose as a runner, and I’m honored to give my miles meaning by helping fund the innovative care that brings these survivors new hope.

This mission is also deeply personal. My former friend, who bravely battled brain cancer from a young age, taught me what it truly means to fight. Their journey, filled with surgeries, setbacks, and the physical toll of illness, profoundly impacted my life. Their unstoppable love and desire for running inspired my own journey, and when competing became impossible for them, I found strength in their spirit. Running became my way to honor their legacy—a spirit that pushes beyond pain and limits. Ever since, I haven’t stopped.

For years, I trained at Boston University, preparing for my dream of running the Boston Marathon. However, a severe Lisfranc injury and subsequent surgery threatened that dream. Doctors doubted I would ever be able to complete a marathon, but I refused to let go of that dream. Driven by my friend’s legacy and my commitment to helping others face the unthinkable, I fought to recover. Now, I am ready to run with more purpose than ever—carrying their memory and the strength of all those who face trauma with courage and resolve.

As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that while my injury posed significant challenges, there are countless others with far more severe traumas who require additional resources and funding. It is the reality of these struggles that motivates me to fight for those who often feel forgotten or overlooked. Everyone deserves that initial push—the chance to pursue their dreams and reclaim their happiness. When I cross the finish line, it won’t just be my victory. I am running for my friend and for everyone who has faced trauma and doubt, who still fights to reach their own finish lines. In that moment, I hope to honor all those who push through their pain, setbacks, and fears to achieve what matters most to them. For me, crossing that line is a tribute to their courage and a promise that they are never alone in their struggle.

Running for the Stepping Strong Center isn’t just about crossing a finish line; it’s about giving back in the biggest way I know how. I aim to honor my friend’s legacy and support countless others who need hope, healing, and the chance to reclaim their lives. Trauma is a leading cause of death worldwide, yet it remains profoundly underfunded. With your help, the Stepping Strong Center can close this critical gap, pushing forward research, education, and groundbreaking trauma care that transform lives for civilians and military personnel alike.

Thank you for supporting the Stepping Strong Boston Marathon Team and helping keep alive the spirit of resilience that defines Boston and unites us all. Together, let’s honor all who “step strong” each day in the face of trauma and struggle—and show them they are not alone.

To learn more about the Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, visit: www.bwhsteppingstrong.org.