The year 2025 has been one of the hardest years of my life. In March, I lost my big brother suddenly. He was my first friend, a USAF vet, and an amazing guitarist. Grieving him has been one of the deepest heartbreaks I’ve ever faced. Then, just a month later, I was furloughed from my job. I worked hard to try to make ends meet (driving Lyft, donating plasma, freelancing), but it was nowhere near my previous salary. My boys and I even faced eviction.
But through all of this pain, I learned something: when life breaks you down, you have to choose to love yourself back to life. This summer, I made the choice to start eating better, exercising, and investing in my health. So far, I’ve lost 35 pounds. I’ve found strength, confidence, and a sense of self-worth I’d been missing. I want to show my boys that their mom is strong, determined, and resilient, even in the darkest seasons. I even got back into obstacle course races and completed The Muddy Dash in DC in August. Running, something I once hated, has now become healing. It reminds me of everything my body can do when I stop doubting myself.
In September, I discovered the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 10K, and it felt like the perfect way to tie my journey together — to honor my brother, to continue my health journey, and to support a cause I deeply believe in. I've fundraised for Blood Cancer United before through Light The Night (LTN) walks, and I know the incredible impact they have through research, patient care, and hope for families worldwide.
To me, this race is taking the pain of 2025 and turning it into growth, love, and purpose in 2026.
Kalie
Advocate and supporter
