Each of the last six years, I have run the Boston Marathon for the Boston Bulldogs Running Club and am honored to be once more running for this incredible community of people, this time as one of their charity runners. I’ve been with the Bulldogs from the first run and have embarked on hundreds of runs with fellow Bulldogs since those early days in 2015. To say the Bulldogs have given me so much throughout the years is an understatement. For those not familiar, we are a running club with a mission to provide an anonymous and safe community of support for all those adversely affected by addiction.

I’ve seen the suffering of far too many people close to me and who have been impacted by addiction, but I’ve also seen the tremendous power of the Bulldogs in helping individuals receive the support they need. Through compassion and community, the Bulldogs have changed countless lives for the better, and I hope the club can continue to support more people.

Having two friends pass away from their struggles with addiction in the past two years was heart wrenching, and having shared many runs and conversations with them both, I know how influential running was in their wellness journeys, and the self empowerment, confidence, accountability, and joy it gave them.

Whether an addict or an ally, it is through connection that we can all heal collectively and help battle both addiction and the stigma associated with it. Please help in my commitment to raise $10,000 for the club.

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