A MESSAGE FROM Serena's Fundraising Page
Hi! I am running the NYC Marathon in 2023 for The Iris Fund which is an important foundation to me for a few reasons, the most important being their mission. The Iris Fund seeks to solve the mystery that is preterm birth by funding cutting-edge research that studies labor and all of its nuances. Preterm birth affects 1 in 10 babies every year, and has detrimental effects in the short term and long term for these babies. The mechanisms behind the causes of PTB are not understood.
I have personally seen the effects of The Iris Fund, as it has supported the research lab that I am earning my PhD through. In the Myers Soft Tissue Biomechanics Lab we study the biomechanics of pregnancy through a mechanical engineering lens. Women's reproductive health has been my primary research focus for the past five years, specifically looking at the environment and how it can affect maternal health outcomes during my masters, and now the mechanics of preterm birth during my PhD. I could not imagine a charity I would rather run for!
When I started my PhD, I started running and eventually set a goal of finishing a marathon by the time I become Dr. Russell. As my running picked up, I added that I would like to run the 26.2 while I was 26. As I turn 27 on November 7th, this is quite possibly my last chance... Procrastination at its finest. Any amount that you can donate is greatly appreciated!
