I’m a 52-year-old secondary school counselor at Honesdale High School and a Level 2 CrossFit coach at CrossFit Honesdale in Honesdale, PA. On March 1, 2026, I’ll be running the Tokyo Marathon—my second time completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors (Boston, Chicago, New York City, Berlin, London, and Tokyo). With this race, I’ll earn my second Abbott World Marathon Majors Six-Star medal—a symbol of not only athletic achievement, but personal resilience.
I ran my first marathon in October 2009, and I haven’t looked back since. To date, I’ve completed 99 marathons. I’ll celebrate a huge milestone—my 100th marathon—in Bermuda in January 2026.
Along the way, I’ve also qualified for and run the Boston Marathon 14 times, including 2013, when a horrific terrorist bombing took the lives of five people and injured over 260 others. I plan to return again in 2026.
But this journey hasn’t been without obstacles. In 2019, I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the muscles and skin. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, fatigue, and painful skin rashes. Managing the condition requires regular IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) infusions. Despite these challenges, I’ve continued to train and race, refusing to let the diagnosis define me.
Now, I’m using this journey for something bigger than myself. I’ve partnered with Allied Services and Integrated Health Systems, an organization that provides compassionate, life-enhancing care to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and injuries. Their work changes lives—and I want to help make that happen.
As part of my Tokyo Marathon campaign, I’ve committed to raising a minimum $5,000 for Allied Services, but I'd LOVE to double that!! Your donation will directly support essential therapies, rehabilitation programs, and specialized care that helps people right here in Pennsylvania live more independently and with dignity.
Every dollar brings me closer to the starting line in Tokyo—and brings someone else closer to hope and healing.
