In the beginning…
I initially ran for health reasons. Five years ago, I was 40 pounds heavier and got winded when climbing up stairs. I quickly realized that my health was trending in the wrong direction and, if not addressed, it may be irreversible. I knew that this was all within my control. I started with walking each day, and then decided to run.
Unfortunately, I was not even able to run from one telephone pole to the next. At that point I knew I was in trouble. I started walking 3 poles and running one for a few weeks, and then running two poles and walking two for another few weeks. Eventually, I was able to run between a few poles and continued expanding my distance. I ran my first 5K (For the Troops) in 2014, and then decided to run a half marathon, which then lead to my first marathon in Chicago. It was official - I had the running bug. I was loving the world of running and all the new friendships that came with it.
My connection to the American Liver Foundation (ALF)
I have successfully raised over $30K running the Boston Marathon in the past four years to support liver disease and research. The American Liver Foundation is a cause close to my heart. I contracted Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion during back surgery when I was 16 years old. I didn’t realize I had this disease until I was 40 years old. It was discovered during a routine blood test when my liver enzymes were extremely elevated. I quickly started my treatment and was cured of this awful disease within a few months. I was one of the lucky ones. If I didn’t discover this disease at that time, I would likely have eventually required a liver transplant. Now I have a healthy liver and no signs of Hep C.
I love running and my new heathy life that I was given. I will continue running until I can’t. I am hoping to run my fifth Boston Marathon next year. I really enjoy being part of the MVS family and running with everyone at various events.