In 2023, at 26 weeks pregnant, my sister was told her daughter would be born with a congenital heart defect called Tetrology of Fallot with Pulmonary Artesia. This diagnosis would change my family forever. 

In September 2023, Josephine was born and her diagnosis was confirmed. We had months to prepare for her arrival but no one could have expected what the first few months of her life would be like. Josie had open heart surgery at just 7 weeks old. The next day she was placed on ECMO, a form of life support. She remained on ECMO for 5 days, her chest left open for 10, sedated, intubated, and paralyzed for 14. Josie spent 99 days in the cardiac ICU after birth. In what felt like an extremely dark and hopeless time, my family searched for hope anywhere we could find it. Foundations like The Children's Heart Foundation provided glimpses of light. Thanks to the people who have dedicated their lives to researching CHDs, Josephine tackled every obstacle and we were filled with an abundance of hope. 

When my sister, Payton, mentioned applying to run the New York City Marathon with TCHF I immediately knew I wanted to run with her. Because of their work, Josie's life expectancy is much longer and her quality of life is much greater. 

Josephine has proven to be the definition of perseverance & resilience. She is smart, strong, and braver than I'll ever be. I am so proud to be her aunt and am incredibly honored to run the 2025 New York City Marathon for her.