Running for My Dad and the National Kidney Foundation

In 2018, my dad’s life was forever changed when he received a kidney transplant. The donor, my godmother and my parents' best friend, Crystal, was the perfect match, and once he received her kidney, it was like he was a new person. Those years after his transplant were some of the best years of my life, years spent with my dad in better health, creating memories I will cherish forever.

When we lost my dad, the pain was beyond words. Not a single day goes by without feeling the weight of that loss. But in the midst of the grief, I am forever thankful for the time we had with him—time made possible by Crystal’s incredible gift and the life-saving work of the National Kidney Foundation. Those years, those memories, are the things that give me strength as I take on this marathon, honoring both my dad and the incredible people who made those moments possible for our family.

That’s why I’m running the NYC Marathon. It’s my way of honoring my dad and the incredible second chance he got, and to support the National Kidney Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by kidney disease. Running this marathon will bring me closer to him in a way I’ve been hoping to since he passed.

If you’re able to, I’d be so grateful for your support in this journey. Every donation, no matter how small, helps fund critical research, awareness, and patient support. Thank you for helping me make this race not just about running, but about making a real difference.