Running with a bigger purpose, my road to the NYC Marathon
Running has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started competing as a teenager, and for decades, being an athlete was simply part of who I was. Running taught me discipline, gave me confidence, carried me through difficult seasons of life, and introduced me to some of the strongest and most inspiring people I know.
But I never imagined that one day I would be running with an aneurysm in my chest.
I was diagnosed with an ascending thoracic aneurysm on June 2, 2025. My aorta-the major artery carrying blood from the heart-is enlarged, and because I have a family history of aortic rupture, this diagnosis became very personal, very quickly.
One of the hardest parts was realizing that I could feel completely healthy and still have something potentially life threatening happening inside my body. Aortic disease can be silent. You can look healthy. You can be active. You can even be a lifelong athlete-and still have an aneurysm.
After my diagnosis, running changed. I had to learn that being strong wasn’t always pushing harder. I had to listen to my doctors, understand my limits, pay attention to my blood pressure and accept that the athlete I had always been, will have to train differently.
There have been moments of fear and uncertainty. There have been days when I wonder whether I should keep running at all. But there has also been an incredible amount of gratitude that my aneurysm was discovered, gratitude that if can be monitored, and gratitude that I can put one foot in front of the other.
So, when the opportunity came to run the New York City Marathon as part of John Ritter team, I knew this marathon would be different.
I am running for the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of thoracic disease and helping people understand their risk, including the importance of family history.
I am running because many people don’t know they have aortic aneurysm until an emergency happens.
I am running for families who have lost someone suddenly.
I am running for people who are living with an aneurysm and wondering what their future looks like.
And yes, I am running for myself, too.
Running has given me so much throughout my life. This time, I have the opportunity to give something back.
If sharing my story causes even one person to ask about family history, talk with their doctor, learn the warning signs of an aortic emergency, or discover an aneurysm before it becomes a tragedy, then every training mile-and every mile through New York City will have been worth it.
No November 1, when I stand at the start of the NCY marathon, I will be thing about why I am there. I will be thinking about my family and others affected by aortic disease. And I’ll be incredibly grateful that I am still able to run, even if I must go slow and keep my heart rate low.
As I prepare to run 26.2 miles, I am raising funds for the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health. I hope by telling my story you’ll consider donating to support the John Ritter Foundation. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps raise awareness, support education, and hopefully prevent another family from experiencing the devasting consequences of undetected aortic disease
Thank you for being part of my journey-and for helping me turn these miles into something bigger than a race. Click here to donate to the John Ritter Foundation.
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