Here’s a heartfelt story you can use for social media, a fundraising page, or a team spotlight:

I didn’t start running for medals.
I started running because I lost someone I loved.

In 2022, my friend passed away from a rare cancer. Her absence left a space that words can’t quite explain. It wasn’t just the loss of her life — it was the loss of her laughter, her voice, her friendship. Grief has a way of shaking you awake, and for me, it pushed me forward. It thrust me into running with a purpose.

Somewhere along that journey, I met Amanda, the president of Dragon Master Initiative. She shared her story with me — the story of losing her son to brain cancer.

As a mom, that story hits differently.
Because if it were my child, I would move heaven and earth to save them.

That’s why I run with Dragon Master Initiative for Springtime Surprise. Because this mission isn’t abstract. It’s personal. It’s about funding research that studies the DNA sequencing of brain tumors. It’s about helping families access clinical trials. It’s about creating real pathways to survival and hope.

I can’t change what happened to my friend.
Amanda can’t change what happened to her son.
But together, we can fight for the children who are still here — and the families who are still hoping.

Running gives my grief direction.
Dragon Master Initiative gives it purpose.

And that’s why I lace up.