I am inspired to run for Stepping Strong for two reasons. First, I’ve always admired my aunt. She's faced significant challenges with remarkable strengtth, and she has ran the Boston Marathon multiple times for the Stepping Strong charity. She's my role model, inspiring me with her resilience and determination. 

Second reason is to raise awareness and support for this incredible charity. You never truly understand the impact of trauma until you are faced with it personally. It affects not only the individual but also their family and loved ones. On December 16, 2020, I found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time—the day I was hit, run over, and dragged by an SUV. That traumatic event left me physically and emotionally shattered, but it also ignited a transformation I hadn’t anticipated.

After months of navigating through different hospitals and consulting with various surgeons, my family and I finally found a path forward. With the help of surgery, physical therapy, and sheer determination, I rebuilt myself. As my bones healed, so did my passion for fitness. I began lifting weights again, and unexpectedly, I fell in love with running.

This accident didn’t just challenge me—it propelled me into a new chapter of self-discovery. It showed me strengths I never knew I had and proved that I could be just like my role model. Now, I want to run for Stepping Strong to help spread awareness of their mission, spotlight the incredible work they do to support trauma recovery, and advocate for others who feel lost at a vulnerable time in their life. It’s possible to come out stronger after enduring the most difficult moments of life. The decision is up to you, but through resilience and determination, you can emerge as an even better version of yourself.