Hello!
This year, I’m thrilled to be running the New York City Marathon alongside my brother Nate. After watching our older brother Matt cross the finish line last year, I knew I wanted to chase that goal myself, and here we are!
I’m fortunate to have received a bib through New Balance, but I wanted to make this about more than just the miles. I’m fundraising for a cause close to my heart—literally.
On November 11th, 2014, I had heart surgery to repair a congenital heart defect known as a coarctation of the aorta. That day changed my life. Thanks to the care of my doctors and a determined recovery, I was back to sports just four months later. Since then, I’ve lived a complication-free life, able to compete at the highest levels throughout high school and college.
This year marks my 11-year anniversary, on 11/11. I celebrate the day each year, but running the marathon on November 2nd feels like the ultimate tribute to honor what my body is capable of.
I’m fundraising to support children living with congenital heart disease (CHD) and those who need the same life-altering care I was lucky enough to receive. No donation is too small. In fact, the smaller ones are easier to carry while running! If you’re not able to donate, a text or call of support means just as much. You might even get a very blurry thumbs-up from mile 20.
Thank you! To the journey ahead!
Catherine