In November of 2026, I will be running the NYC Marathon in support of pediatric cancer research through the incredible work of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

ALSF plays a vital role in directly funding innovative research and clinical trials in cancer at CHOP, impacting the children I care for everyday. These grants help bring new therapies from the lab to the bedside faster, giving families options when they feel like they are running out of them. The breakthroughs happening in pediatric cancer are not accidental- they are funded. 

As a pediatric Oncology and PICU Nurse at CHOP, I’ve cared for children whose cancer journeys don’t go as planned- some end up intubated and needing ICU-level monitoring after complications from chemotherapy or relapse. Pediatric oncology patients are some of the strongest kiddos facing the most challenging moments of their lives.

Running 26.2 miles feels small compared to what these children and these families endure, but these miles can help fund the next trial, next discovery or next chance in remission. I am dedicating these to a 14-year-old angel whose life was taken from us way too soon- Kate Morales. To know Kate, was to love her.

If you feel called to support this mission, the patients & families at CHOP and my personal goal of running my first marathon, any donation- big or small - will make an impact. If you are able to share this post, it would mean so much. Thank you for helping me turn miles into hope; together we can help fund research that gives children more birthdays! See you at the finish line ;)