My journey into motherhood began in December 2001 when I welcomed my son, Robbie. Almost two years later, my daughter, Kaity, was born. Becoming their mother changed my life in ways I could have never imagined. When my children were approaching their teenage years, I became a single mother. Although their father and I shared 50/50 custody, the reality was that my children spent most of their time with me. Like many single mothers, I found myself navigating the everyday responsibilities of raising two children while working and trying to provide them with everything they needed. I had to figure out health insurance, doctor’s appointments, and all the little things that often go unnoticed. There were challenges, sacrifices, and moments of uncertainty, but somehow, I always found a way. Today, Robbie and Kaity are adults, but motherhood hasn’t stopped. When they’re sick, need to go to urgent care, or have a doctor’s appointment, they still call Mom. And I still show up. That’s something I’ve learned over the years: motherhood doesn’t end when your children become adults. The responsibilities may change, but the love, worries, and desire to protect them remain. As a single mother, I’ve experienced firsthand how much mothers carry, often without anyone realizing the weight of those responsibilities. But who carries the mother? Who checks on the person who is always checking on everyone else? Who supports the mother who has spent years making sure her children have everything they need? These questions are part of why I’ve chosen to run the Every Woman’s Marathon in support of For All Mothers+. I’m running not only as Robbie and Kaity’s mother, but as a woman who believes that every mother deserves support, compassion, and the opportunity to thrive beyond motherhood. I’m proud of the two adults I’ve raised, and I’m equally proud of the woman I’ve continued to become. Because behind every mother is a person with dreams, struggles, hopes, and a story worth telling. And that person deserves to be cared for, too.