City: Oakland, CA

Profession: Healthcare

Fundraising Goal: $2500

Race Goal: Sub 5 hrs

In a few sentences, describe your connection to U2FP, why you chose to run in support of U2FP, and whether you have a personal connection to spinal cord injury and paralysis: I'm pushing for Team U2FP because the world needs an intervention to restore function for people with paralysis. U2FP has proven that it is the best organization to make that happen. I have a C-5 spinal cord injury, and it sucks. I know a lot of people who are paralyzed, and it makes their lives, and sometimes the lives of those around them, a lot more damn difficult. People with paralysis are able to do quite a bit, but GD, individual lives and society as a whole would be so much better if we could restore function. And U2FP is the best organization to make that a reality. So, I want to do everything I can to support them and thus, the delivery of an intervention to restore function.

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed? No, this will be my third Chicago Marathon. All 3 pushing for U2FP. I also pushed a half in Vegas. On the strip. At night. It was awesome.

What do you crave after a long race? Air Conditioning and jelly-filled glazed donut holes.

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what? Maybe 50% of the time. If I do it is certainly mid-quality Sci Fi audiobooks

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon? I am most excited about the first 15 minutes of the race. Because I am so much slower than the professional wheelers I am immediately left behind, but I start earlier than the able bodies. So there is a short window during which I am slowly pushing down an empty Michigan Avenue. It is quite bizarre, and I don’t think anybody notices me, but it is exhilarating to be all alone in a sleeveless hoodie with the crowd’s energy buzzing about. I am nervous that I will have to go to the bathroom too frequently. That really makes things difficult.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love exploring new cities by bike or scooter, learning about the nearly incomprehensible scale of the universe, and enjoying a quality tequila before going to the movies.

Anything else you’d like to share? I am deeply grateful to my family and friends for all they have done, and continue to do, to support me and the SCI community. Without their time and efforts I would not be living the full life I am today. It is my mission to pay their compassion forward. Thanks to you all ?.

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis is proud to once again be a charity partner for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2022! Help support U2FP’s initiatives to accelerate curative treatments for those living with Spinal Cord Injuries. Team U2FP members have raised nearly $200,000 in the past few years. Thank you for your support to advance research towards a cure for spinal cord injury!