New York City Marathon

In February 2024, I found myself at a crossroads—mentally exhausted and physically disconnected. Life had become overwhelming. The stress I was carrying had no healthy outlet, and each day felt like I was holding my breath, waiting for some kind of release that never came.

That’s when I started running.

It wasn’t part of some grand plan. I didn’t lace up my sneakers with the dream of marathons or finish lines. I just needed to move — to breathe. I started in Central Park, quietly putting one foot in front of the other, unsure if I was running away from something or toward something. But in those early miles, surrounded by trees, city skyline, and silence, I found something I didn’t even know I was looking for: stillness. Not in my legs, but in my mind.

The West Side Highway soon became part of my route, its path stretched out like possibility. As the months passed, my body changed — I lost over 50 pounds — but even more powerful was how my spirit shifted. Running gave me time to unplug from the noise and finally ask myself: What do I want? Who do I want to be? It became a ritual of self-reflection, resilience, and release.

And now, I’m running the 2025 New York City Marathon.

But this isn’t just about me anymore. I’m running for PACT, an organization that is helping to end sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. For nearly 35 years, PACT has been fighting to protect every child’s right to grow up free from abuse—through education, legislative advocacy, prevention, and partnerships with communities across the country. Their work is guided by survivors and driven by a clear, urgent mission: to build a world in which no child is bought, sold, or used for sex.

Running 26.2 miles is a challenge, yes—but it’s nothing compared to what these children endure. Their courage, their survival, their strength—that’s what moves me forward. This marathon is my way of honoring them. Of turning my personal healing into something that helps others heal, too.

I found myself through running. Now, I run so every child can have the chance to grow up safe, free, and unbroken.