On October 25th, I’ll be running the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon, a fundraiser supporting the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation. I’m passionate about the foundation's hostage advocacy work and aim to raise $2,620--or $100 for each of the 26.2 miles I’ll be running. Every donation helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts the safety of U.S. journalists reporting abroad.

As many of you know, James "Jim" Foley was a longstanding friend of mine. In 1996, we met in Phoenix, where we served as teachers for Teach for America. We immediately hit it off. We both loved books. We made a pact to become writers. We often traveled together to Cuba and Mexico. Jim stood up in my wedding. He served as godfather to my son Luka.  

August 19, 2014, the day Jim was executed by ISIS, marks the saddest day of my life. Jim was reporting abroad and saw it as his duty to provide a voice to the voiceless. In the wake of his tragic death, I'm constantly inspired by the way that Jim's friends and family continue finding hope, meaning, and community. With that in mind, I hope you’ll join forces with me and offer support to the Foley Foundation.

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!
• Sign up to run as part of the Foley team, if you’re up for it. 

With every step I take, I do so to make the world safer for journalists and their families, 

Daniel