Team Hope Story - 2026 TCS New York City Marathon

This November, I will be running the TCS New York City Marathon in support of an amazing organization - Hope Story. Hope Story is a Dallas-based non-profit that provides hope, support, and no-cost resources to families whose child has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

This cause is something deeply meaningful for me and my family. My younger brother, Simon, was born with Down Syndrome and despite our two-year age difference, we were best friends. Simon and I shared bunk beds for most of our childhood and spent just about every night falling asleep to one of the many Pixar movies he knew by heart (The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, or Monsters, Inc.). He loved everything to do with the water. Whether that was playing in the rain, splashing in the hose on the trampoline, or swimming. He also had quite the refined musical taste – some of his favorites being The Who, Cheryl Crow, Robert Earl Keen, and the Shrek soundtracks.

Simon passed away in 2010 after a five-year battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), but his spirit and legacy have been a shining example to all who knew him. Simon’s life was measured in smiles and the gifts of love and understanding that only special-needs children are able to give. As anyone that has spent time with someone who has Down Syndrome knows, they are the embodiment of love, authenticity, and joy.

If you choose to give, your donation will go to aid in the following:

1. Connect existing parents of a child with Down Syndrome (who they call “Hope Advocates”!) to ones that have newly received the diagnosis and provide real-time encouragement, support, and guidance
2. Equip medical professionals with free tools and resources to deliver a Down Syndrome diagnosis
3. Support the recruitment, training, and resource kits (Hope Kits) that empower parents to guide and mentor others going through the same experience

I could not be more honored to have been selected to take part in supporting this mission. My goal is to raise at least $5,000 - 100% of donations go directly to Hope Story. I am very grateful for any donation that you consider making! Thank you!

You can learn more by visiting http://hopestory.org and sign up for their email updates by visiting this link. You can also follow Hope Story on Instagram and Facebook.