Hello Everyone,

In what can only be described as the best kind of determined madness, I’ve committed to running the 2026 NYC Marathon—and I’m truly energized and inspired by the challenge ahead.

At the time of the race, I will be 57 years old, and while this is not my first marathon, it is my first marathon since donating one of my kidneys in February 2025.

Becoming an altruistic kidney donor was one of the most meaningful decisions of my life. That decision was inspired by my sister, who donated one of her kidneys a few years earlier to help a dear friend. Watching her generosity changed me, and ultimately led me to make the same choice. This race feels like a continuation of that story.

Let me be clear: I am not a fast runner. Not even "kind of fast." But I am steady, determined, and just stubborn enough to keep going no matter what -  I will absolutely cross that finish line. Think "dog with a bone" committed energy.

I am running to support Kidney Donor Athletes, an incredible organization dedicated to raising awareness for organ donation, building community, and demonstrating that people can live active, healthy, vibrant lives after living donation. I am deeply honored to represent this community and this mission.

Now for some exciting news.

Together, we have already met the original $3,200 fundraising requirement needed for me to qualify for this race. That is incredible, and I am deeply grateful for every donation, every share, every encouraging message, and every person who believed in this mission.

And here's the thing: I have never been someone who simply meets the bar. I have always been the person who looks at the bar and says, "I wonder how much higher we can go?"

So why stop now?

If we have already accomplished the goal, let's do something even bigger. We are raising our sights and increasing the fundraising goal to $5,000.

Because if I'm willing to donate a kidney to a stranger and run 26.2 miles through the streets of New York City, it seems only fitting that we see just how much good we can do together.

Let's make some money for KDA- Kidney Donor Athletes .

Every dollar raised helps Kidney Donor Athletes continue their important work—raising awareness for living organ donation, supporting living donors, inspiring future donors, and showing the world what is possible after donation. 

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Any amount helps—truly. Big, small, or "I found this in my couch cushions."

• Share: Spread the word to friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, or that one person who loves an inspiring story.

Every dollar supports an incredible cause, raises awareness for living organ donation, and carries this mission further than I ever could alone.

Thank you for cheering me on, supporting this cause, and being part of something so much bigger than a single race. Together, we've already exceeded expectations. Now let's see what happens when we aim even higher.

With love, gratitude, and increasingly sore legs,

Laurie ?