My why is my older brother, Kenny — my first best friend. Growing up together, I watched him face something no child should ever have to go through. Kenny was diagnosed with blood cancer at just three years old. At such a young age, he had to fight a battle that changed our entire family.
Kenny fought, persevered, and became a survivor. Today, he is a healthy husband and an incredible dad to two beautiful girls. Watching him overcome such an unimaginable battle at such a young age has been one of the greatest inspirations of my life.
I’m running the NYC Marathon for Kenny — for the little boy who had to be so strong, for the fight he endured, and for the life he gets to live today. I’m also incredibly grateful to be running alongside my friend George, who is a three-time cancer survivor. Getting to take on this marathon together makes this experience even more meaningful.
Our team name, “One More Mile, No Matter What,” represents everything I believe this journey stands for: standing firm and strong in your faith, continuing to fight when things get hard, and always finding the strength to go one more mile — no matter what.
Running has become more than a sport for me — it has become a way to advocate, inspire, and give back. I’ve completed two marathons, and this will be my third, but this race carries a deeper meaning than any before. Running the New York City Marathon has always been a dream of mine, and having the opportunity to run it for a cause so close to my heart makes it even more special.
Watching my brother go through cancer and come back even stronger taught me what true resilience looks like. Every mile I run is in honor of his strength, the courage of survivors like George, and the hope that together we can help more families experience stories of survival.
This marathon is more than a race. It is a chance to honor my brother, support those still fighting, celebrate survivors, and remind others that no matter how hard the road gets, there is always one more mile, no matter what.
Ali
Family member and supporter
