City: Wilbraham, MA

Fundraising Goal: $2,000

Race: Cape Cod Marathon

Race Goal: Just Finish!

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: My daughter, Kiley, suffered a cervical spinal cord injury in 2018. Since Kiley’s accident, my family obviously has experienced and learned a lot. One of the things we have learned is that there are many very talented people working hard every day to develop improved therapies and, ultimately, cures for spinal cord injury. For us, this marathon is part of our efforts to connect with other people in this community and help. I was attracted to U2FP because they are 100% committed to finding a cure, and also believe that people living with a spinal cord injury can live full lives.

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed? I have also run the Hartford Marathon

What do you crave after a long run? To stop running!

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what? Mostly, I just enjoy being alone with my thoughts.

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon? At my age, it is difficult to find the time for training and recovering, but I will find a way. I am excited to experience the Cape Cod Marathon for the first time, and I will be sure to remind my family after it is over that life is a marathon.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I will tell you when I find some free time after training for a marathon!

Anything else you’d like to share? I am truly grateful for all of the support that my family has received since Kiley’s accident. I am glad to be able to join the U2FP team.