Over the last three years, I’ve learned a lot about myself upon a lot of self-reflection. COVID has forced us to tighten our circle and lean on those people in our lives that are so important. It also has reinforced the importance physical activity, especially running, has on my mental well-being. There were many days over the last three years, where I struggled. When I was struggling, I would lace up my running shoes and head out for a long running to clear my head and be alone with my thoughts. I was truly grateful that I had that outlet.

The 2023 London Marathon will hold a special place in my heart. I found out today that I will be running the 2023 London Marathon for the JDRF. This marathon will be dedicated to my mother, Beverly as was my 2022 Chicago Marathon.

My mom was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 11 and battled this disease for 44 years. I can remember seeing my mom give herself shots of insulin multiple times per day. For most of my childhood, my mom was in and out of the hospital. She lost sight in her right eye and nearly lost sight in her left. Her health issues never made her feel pity. She took them head on and never complained. I vowed back in 2009, that I would do everything I could to keep her memory alive and do my part to help find a cure for those that are impacted by diabetes daily. This is why I’ve chose to run the 2023 London Marathon for JDRF.

JDRF works tirelessly to find better treatments, preventions and ultimately, a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications through critical research. Every dollar we are able to direct toward this research comes from donors like you.

Over the next 200 plus days, I will share with you the work JDRF does with the funds I raise.

I hope you follow along with my journey to Chicago. I am excited to share the steps along the way, and hopefully inspire some of you to lace up a pair of running shoes and hit the pavement.

Thanks again for your continued support. It means the world to me.

This one is for you mom!