Hi friends,

Last year, I had the extraordinary privilege of donating a kidney to my mom.

It's difficult to put into words what that experience meant to me. Watching my mom get her health back and seeing her return to the person she was before years of kidney disease has been nothing short of incredible. It was the easiest decision I've ever made, and watching her thrive over the past year has been a gift I'll never take for granted.

Now, apparently, donating a vital organ wasn't quite enough attention for me, because I've somehow agreed to run 26.2 miles through New York City with Team Kidney in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon.

In all seriousness, I'm running because I know firsthand the impact that kidney donation, transplantation, and patient advocacy can have on a family. The National Kidney Foundation provides critical support, education, and resources for patients and their loved ones, while working to advance research and improve outcomes for those affected by kidney disease.

This marathon is my opportunity to give back to a community that has already given my family so much. Every mile I run is a celebration of my mom's second chance and a way to help more families find their own.

If you're able to contribute, any donation—big or small—will help support the National Kidney Foundation and the incredible work they do every day.

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and for following along on this journey. It means more than you know.

#TeamJody