On July 4, 2025, twenty-seven girls lost their lives in the floods at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. Twenty-five of the girls were between eight and ten years old. Two were recent high school graduates heading to college in the fall. Each girl was unique, yet they shared a common legacy of kindness, generosity, and a joyful spirit that lifted those around them. In their honor, their families created the Heaven’s 27 Foundation to carry that spirit forward.

This year, I’m honored to run the Houston Half Marathon with the Heaven’s 27 team in memory of these 27 girls: Ellen Getten, Margaret Sheedy, Margaret Bellows, Mary Barrett Stevens, Abby Pohl, Lucy Dillon, Lila Bonner, Katherine Ferruzzo, Mary Grace Baker, Eloise “Lulu” Peck, Chloe Childress, Virginia Hollis, Wynne Naylor, Cile Steward, Janie Hunt, Hanna & Rebecca Lawrence, Molly DeWitt, Linnie McCown, Blakely McCrory, Kellyanne Lytal, Greta Toranzo, Lainey Landry, Sarah Marsh, Renee Smajstrla,  Hadley Hanna, and Mary Kate Jacobe.

The beautiful little girl sitting next to me in my fundraising picture is one of the Heaven's 27, Mary Kate Jacobe.

In 2021, I had the joy of teaching Mary Kate at St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool in Houston. I will always remember her sweet smile, joyful spirit, genuine kindness, and the way she could light up a room.

Running this half marathon is a small way for me to honor Mary Kate and the other 26 girls while helping carry their memory, spirit, and legacy forward.

Thank you for supporting me and for helping keep the light of these 27 girls shining.

Please go to https://www.heavens27.org/ to learn more about the Heaven's 27 Foundation.