City: Oakland, CA

Profession: Partnerships, Digital Healthcare

Fundraising Goal: $2000

Race Goal: <5hrs

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?

It is not, this will be my 4th Chicago marathon. Wow, I’m getting old.

What do you crave after a long race?

Depends on the outside temperature but usually an italian hoagie with BBQ chips and/or an ice bath.

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what?

I just found out there are now 5 Robert Langdon, of DaVinci Code fame books out!!! So I have been tackling #’s 3 and 4 recently.

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!