I have completed one half marathon and have always wanted to run the NYC marathon, so to have the opportunity to run the race and represent an amazing cause is a dream come true. Both of my grandfathers are veterans who fought in the Korean war, and my family, like many others, suffered the loss of a family member who fought overseas in Iraq. Today, I have multiple close friends who are active military members. For all these reasons, and many more, supporting active military members and veterans is very important to me. Thank you United Way of Long Island for letting me represent Mission Team United in my first full marathon!