My daughter, Wemblee, was born with Down syndrome.

Like many parents receiving a diagnosis, I didn't know exactly what the future would look like. What I did know was that I wanted her to have every opportunity to pursue her goals, build confidence, and be included in the communities she loves.

As a runner, I've experienced firsthand how endurance sports can transform lives. Running has taught me resilience, discipline, confidence, and the belief that seemingly impossible goals can become possible through consistent effort.

When I learned about the mission of the 1% Better Foundation, I immediately saw the connection.

The 1% Better Foundation exists to help neurodivergent athletes reach their full potential — not only in sport, but in life. Through endurance sports such as marathons and Ironman triathlons, athletes build mental toughness, confidence, discipline, and measurable achievement. Sport becomes the training ground for something bigger: belief.

But the vision extends far beyond race day.

The Foundation is building the 1% Better Academy — a structured, high-expectation environment designed to prepare young men and women with intellectual disabilities for full-time employment, independent living, social confidence, and meaningful community integration.

As Wemblee grows, these are the opportunities I hope exist for her and for countless others in the disability community.

This October, I'll be running the Chicago Marathon in support of that mission.

Your donation does more than support my 26.2-mile journey. It helps create opportunities, expand possibilities, and build a future where individuals with intellectual disabilities are empowered to achieve more than the world may expect.

Thank you for believing in athletes like Wemblee and for helping create a future filled with possibility.