City: Prior Lake, MN

Profession: Social Responsibility Coordinator

Fundraising Goal: $1,000

Race: Twin Cities Marathon

Race Goal: Under 3 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 have a C5/6 spinal cord injury from a car accident in November 2002. I am quadriplegic, paralyzed from the nipple line down. I choose to participate to bring awareness to SCI, and the work U2FP is doing.

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed? This is my first marathon since having quadriplegia. Prior to my injury, I ran the Twin Cities Marathon twice and Grandma’s Marathon once.

What do you crave after a long run? Water, followed by a cold beer if it’s a warm day.

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what? No. If I’m outside, I like hearing nature

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon? I’m excited and nervous to be back on the TCM course as it has been 20 years since I’ve been on a marathon course.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy working out, handcycling, reading and spending time with family and friends, especially my eight grandchildren. I enjoy experiencing live music outdoors and attend many events in the summer.

Anything else you’d like to share? I will be riding my handcycle, as obviously, I’m unable to run! I am a co-founder and executive director of Get Up Stand Up to Cure Paralysis, a Minnesota non-profit that collaborates with U2FP in funding research towards curative methods in chronic SCI.