The TCS New York City Marathon is days away! We have a full team this year ready to tackle 26.2 miles to raise funds and awareness for our cause. We reached out to our Team Reeve members to ask why they are participating in the marathon for the Reeve Foundation.
What inspired you to join Team Reeve?
Team Reeve means so much to my family and me. I was in a catastrophic ski accident on February 19th, 2018, sustaining an SCI – T-4 leaving me paralyzed from my chest down. Immediately when I was first injured, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation served as an incredible resource in what my family should do; from my care in the ICU, to what rehab facilities I should attend, to connecting me to incredible mentors such as Alan Brown. In 2018, following my injury, my cousin Daniel ran the NYC Marathon for Team Reeve, my family, and for me. The incredible progress I have made in the course of these two years was not possible without the support of the Reeve foundation and It would be an honor to represent them and give back to them as they provided for me.
What has been the hardest challenge that you have overcome?
The hardest challenge for me to overcome was the acceptance of my new life of paralysis. My life completely changed and did a 180. For me to persevere I needed to find my new meaning in life. I was able to do this through, connecting with incredible mentors through the Reeve foundation and whom I met at Craig Hospital. They showed me that it is possible to live a fulfilling life, despite having a traumatic SCI.I am grateful for the incredible life I have today - I am an independent 24-year-old, an adaptive athlete, a doctoral student, and a mentor for individuals new to the world of paralysis.
What are you looking forward to the most on the day of the marathon?
I am most excited for the incredible energy that is at the NYC Marathon - people inspiring each other, in it together, and for one common goal, crossing that finish line. It is an event never in a million years I expected to be doing, let alone, as an adaptive athlete. I am looking forward to seeing the amazing people that have supported me from day one of my injury to the new beautiful I will meet on race day. It will be an amazing day and event that I will truly cherish forever.
Remember to follow us on Instagram to follow our team on race day. There is still time to support the team!