During the fall of 2018, my mom found an opportunity through Sparrow's Nest for me to get involved in the charity through running. Despite playing sports in high school, it had been years since I actually ran. However, I took the challenge and became one of the youngest people on the team. I traveled to Disney in November 2019 with Sparrow's Nest, and the rest is history. At the time, the most grief I had experienced with cancer was being named after my Great Aunt Carol, who had passed away from lung cancer six months before I was born. I just felt good to be a part of something, where I was helping people who really needed it, and in a place I could not imagine being in. Then, in September 2020, right before my second scheduled Sparrow's Nest race, my best friend and beloved grandma "Nanee" was diagnosed with Lymphoma. This immediately put my family into a group I would never wish on anyone. During her nine month battle, I watched as she fought through every chemotherapy hospital stay, scan, and doctor's appointment. She was truly the strongest person I know, and her cancer fight only solidified that. We lost her in June of 2021, and I had a new "why" for running. No longer was it just to help those who needed it the most, or 'run for those who can't', but it was to keep her memory alive by accomplishing the feat of running a half marathon on a yearly basis. My Nanee loved to brag about her grandchildren's accomplishments, and I knew she would always be waiting for my call at the end or facebook post to see how I did and cheer me on. This will be my 6th Sparrow's Nest race, and I will be doing it by my mom's side.

I never could have imagined back in 2019 the role that cancer would play in my life only a year later, when both my grandma and boyfriend's dad were diagnosed within months of each other, and then later losing both of them after their battles. My 'why' has changed over the years, but every race is a remindr of the battles everyone is facing. thank you to everyone who supported, and will support my mom and i. Whether you bought a Super Bowl box, made a donation or just sent an encouraging text to us. We are so grateful.

Thank you in advance for reading our story and considering a contribution to our combined fundraising goal.