City: Niceville, FL

Profession: Airfield Operations Officer (USAF)

Fundraising Goal: $1000

Race Goal: 4 hours

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 was offered to run and support the organization through a United States Air Force Academy Alumni page, and I immediately jumped on the opportunity. I chose to run in support of U2FP because I believe in their mission and want to help raise funds/awareness for their cause. I do not have anyone in my friend/acquaintance circles that have experienced a spinal cord injury or paralysis. However, as a member of the military, I know that many currently serving members and those that have served in the past have experienced these types of injuries during combat and/or training. I am proud to be able to run and raise money to facilitate their recovery as well as spread awareness and support for U2FP.

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed? No, I have completed several other marathons to include the Colorado Marathon, Air Force Marathon (Deployed), Rock and Roll Marathon (Las Vegas), and the Disney World Marathon (Dopey Challenge). This will be my first time running in one of the Majors.

What do you crave after a long run? Water and a nice big breakfast, or pizza!

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what? If it is a long run, I will put on a podcast to keep my brain engaged and distracted from the physical toll. For shorter runs, I enjoy a variety of music.

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon? I am very excited to visit Chicago for the first time, and to run in support of a great organization and a great cause.

An interesting fact about yourself or anything else you’d like to share: During the early part of the COVID pandemic, I signed up for a virtual race across Tennessee. I ended up running about 640 miles over the course of 4 months (May-Aug), and pushed myself to achieve several personal running milestones. I plan on accomplishing a 100-mile race at some point in the near future.

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!