I am so excited to be running my first marathon with The Children's Heart Foundation!

I was born with an ASD (Atrial Septal Defect), a large hole between the two upper chambers of my heart, that was detected at 4 months old. One month before my 3rd birthday, I had open heart surgery at Columbia University Hospital.

I feel so fortunate to say that I have not needed to see a cardiologist since I was about 5, and am now a healthy 25 year old! Because of my successful open heart surgery, I feel so grateful to be healthy and able to run, and have completed 2 half marathons. The scar down my chest used to be an insecurity of mine while growing up, but now it is something that fills me with pride!

A few short years after my open heart surgery, and because of my positive experience, my family became a host family through the Paramus Rotary Club/Gift of Life International. One-year old Matthew and his mother, Priscilla, from Ecuador lived with us for six weeks. Matthew was also born with a congenital heart defect and needed the same life-saving surgery that I had. They only spoke Spanish and we pretty much only spoke English, but mine and Matthew’s shared connection made us family for life! We still keep in touch with this family via social media and Matthew (now 21 years old!) is pursuing a medical career because of his positive experience.

I am thrilled and honored to be running the 2026 NYC Marathon as a heart warrior and as a member of the Children's Heart Foundation Team!

Matthew and me in 2006!