Welcome to my fundraising page and thanks for being here :) This is my fourth year running for Team IBDKids. Please consider donating to IBDKids, as it is a cause that is near and dear to my heart...
I was first diagnosed with Crohn's disease when I was 16 years old. The next few years of my life were characterized by frequent hospital visits, change of schools, loss of friends, and general uncertainty about whether my life would ever return to some semblance of normalcy. At the height of my disease, there were times when I struggled to walk up a flight of stairs or stand in the shower without becoming winded or dizzy. The idea of running a marathon - or even a mile - seemed impossible at the time. Thankfully, with the support of my team at Mount Sinai, especially my pediatric GI Dr. Keith Benkov, we eventually found a treatment that put me on a path towards remission.
Though Crohn's disease has added many challenges to my life, it has helped me grow in so many ways. I've learned the importance of prioritizing health, understanding the mind-body connection, and valuing what my body is capable of at various stages of health. Most importantly, my illness has taught me how to listen to my body. While I am not always the best at this, paying attention to how my body feels has informed my experience as a runner. I know when to push myself and when to take breaks. And if I am not thoughtful about fueling or over-training, my stomach will quickly let me know that I need to pause and re-evaluate my approach.
I was fortunate to have access to amazing doctors and systems of support that helped me cope with and manage my life-long illness. I am running for Team IBDKids because I want to support research that will improve the quality of life and well-being of youth and families who are trying their best to manage the complexities of pediatric chronic illness. Your donation will go towards research exploring underlying causes of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as identifying effective treatments.
This year is especially significant to me, as I recently found out my disease is progressing and I’m no longer in remission. Training has felt more challenging and my goals feel further away, but I’m determined to be out there on race day no matter what :)
Thank you for considering making a donation - truly any amount is appreciated!