Sports have been a huge part of my life and have taught me some of my biggest lessons—discipline, resilience, and mental toughness. Most importantly, they’ve shown me that we are all capable of doing hard things. It’s a mindset I try to live by and one I hope to pass on to my kids every day.

That’s why I’m honored to be running the New York City Marathon in support of the athletes of Special Olympics New York.

Special Olympics is about so much more than sports. It provides athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete, build confidence, create friendships, and experience the joy of being part of a team. The determination, courage, and perseverance these athletes show every day is truly inspiring and a reminder of what sports can do for all of us.

Running 26.2 miles will be a challenge, but I’m proud to take it on for an organization that creates such meaningful opportunities for incredible athletes.

Please consider supporting my journey and helping Special Olympics New York continue to empower athletes to believe in themselves, push past obstacles, and prove that they can do hard things too.