Surprise! On October 11, 2026, I’ll be running the Chicago Marathon in honor of my uncle Andy, my mom’s triplet brother. Many of you know my mom is one of eight siblings, and that side of my family has always meant the world to me. We’re loud, close, supportive, and deeply connected, and Andy has always been a huge part of what makes our family so special.

Andy is also a runner himself, a marathon finisher and Ironman athlete, which makes this race especially meaningful. Running has always represented strength, discipline, and perseverance for him, and those same qualities define how he’s facing ALS.

I’ll be running this race alongside several family members, supporting one another every step of the way. While the marathon will be physically and mentally challenging, it’s nothing compared to what Andy faces every day. This perspective is what fuels me through training and on race day.

Watching Andy live with this disease has been heartbreaking. He is a devoted husband to my aunt Cindy and an incredible father to my cousins, Nikki and Alex. Seeing them walk alongside him as ALS slowly takes pieces of the life he once knew is something no family should ever have to endure.

I’m running to honor Andy’s strength, to support Cindy, Nikki, and Alex, and to help fund research, care, and hope for families facing ALS. Every mile I run is for Andy, and every donation brings us closer to a future where no family has to watch someone they love suffer from this disease.

Thank you for supporting this cause and for standing with my family.