This spring, I will be running the Boston Marathon to raise funds for Michael Lisnow Respite Center, a place that provides emotional and physical support for individuals with disabilities and their families.

As some of you may know, my little sister has GMFCS Level V cerebral palsy. She is not able to walk on her own and requires extensive use of assistance and support. Regardless of the number of surgeries, treatments, therapies and other medical necessities, she has had in her eight years, she continues to be the most happy, kind and grateful kid I have ever met. She teaches me gratitude daily and inspires me to be a better version of myself. Prior to my sister, I knew about disabilities but wasn't aware of all the difficulties and challenges that families are facing. Our family situation has allowed me to see things in a different light and gain extreme gratitude for organizations such as The Michael Lisnow Respite Center that supports families and adults, who are going through life with disabilities. All of the programs that The Michael Lisnow Respite Center offers are incredible, but the two that I'm in awe of are Adult Day Programs and Employment Support for Individuals with Disabilities. I do not know what is ahead for my sister, but programs like that are giving me hope that she could have a full life with the joy of possibly living independently and having a job. Although it is my dream to run all World Marathon Majors, I'm running them for her, and one day, I hope we can run together.

Thank you for your continued support on this journey!