Show Up for the Smallest is more than a race against the clock, it is a personal pursuit with a higher purpose: to push human limits in support of the most vulnerable lives. Hi my name is Jo Ong a recent Pomona College graduate and hybrid athlete. I’ve always pushed myself to grow through training, focus, and daily effort. But this year, I’m channeling that mindset toward something greater. I’m running not just to break 2:30, but to stand with the smallest, most vulnerable lives in their fight.

I’m training to run a sub-2:30 marathon at the California International Marathon, and every mile of this 1200+ mile prep is for babies who may never get the chance to take one.

These babies are fighting Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) which is a fast-moving, life-threatening disease that attacks the intestines of premature infants. It can take a baby’s life in just days. Despite being one of the leading causes of death in NICUs, NEC remains shockingly underfunded and underrecognized.

This is my why. I aim to bring visibility to NEC and raise funds for research, better care, and support for families facing the unimaginable. This effort isn’t just about chasing a time. It’s about discipline, sacrifice, and showing up every day for a cause bigger than myself.

I’m running for the babies who can’t.
I’m running for the families who never expected this battle.
I’m running to show up for the smallest, every day, every mile, every step.

Every donation supports NEC research, awareness, and family support. By joining this effort, you’re helping bring light to a silent disease and standing with the tiniest fighters when they need it most.