I’m thrilled to be participating in 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a fundraiser supporting Unite 2 Fight Paralysis! Every donation—big or small—helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.
Unite 2 Fight Paralysis exists to unite and empower the international spinal cord injury community to cure paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research.
Here's how you can help:
- Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
- Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!
My Story
In my late 20’s, I suffered from a string of accidents that severely injured my neck. I was barely able to move, I was unable to exist without pain, and I was questioning what the rest of my life would look like. I was scared, confused, and didn’t know how to move forward.
I went to specialist after specialist, doctor to doctor, looking for the help and guidance I needed. I was told on multiple occasions, “not much we can do”, “good thing you had an active life prior to this, that seems to be over”, “nothing appears to be wrong, are you sure you’re in pain?” I lived with this pain for years as I tried to find the resources that would help me heal or give me answers. Nothing came for a time. I was a couple years into my thirties at this time.
Eventually, I was able to find the resources and the people to help me. That small thing of being able to find what I needed was no small feat.
Unite 2 Fight Paralysis’ mission for more research, more resources, more funding, and more advocacy helps people when they need it most. Without resources, without people advocating for me, I might have never healed.
I am a fortunate case. There are many people who still live in pain, who still wake up without movement, who still wake up feeling lost. Unite 2 Fight Paralysis exists to do all they can to help people get the resources they need to understand paralysis. Whether we are running marathons or walking to our couch, our movement is sacred, and learning all we can to preserve it for everyone is the mission.
Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me!