Over the past few years, I’ve poured myself into endurance training, waking up early, showing up daily, and pushing through discomfort to become stronger physically and mentally. This year, I’ve committed to running a sub-2:30 marathon at the California International Marathon. That’s more than just a goal on the clock; it represents hundreds of hours, thousands of steps, and over 1,200 miles of focused, intentional preparation.

But somewhere along the way, I realized this effort couldn’t just be about me.

While I’m choosing this challenge, there are newborns in NICUs across the country fighting battles they never asked for. Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating and fast-moving disease that affects premature infants, often with very little warning. It can destroy their intestines and take their lives in just a matter of days. And yet, despite how common and deadly it is, NEC remains vastly underfunded and underrecognized.

That disconnect between how severe NEC is and how little attention it receives struck me. It felt wrong to chase a goal this big without tying it to something that mattered more.

So I decided to dedicate every mile of my marathon prep, every long run, every tempo, and every day I show up to the babies who may never get to take a single step. This campaign, Show Up for the Smallest, is about using my discipline and platform to raise awareness and support for these fragile lives and the families who stand beside them.

This is why I’m running. Not just for time, but for purpose.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for believing that even small voices and small lives deserve to be heard.