Running the Marine Corps Marathon for 65 Roses | Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis (CF), and far too many people with CF die far too young. CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs, making every breath a battle for many who live with it. I’m running the Marine Corps Marathon to help change that reality by raising funds for research and bringing hope to families affected by this disease.

This marathon is also deeply personal.

I had been praying about which marathon God wanted me to run. One day, a friend asked which race I would choose if I could run any marathon, and without hesitation I answered, “The Marine Corps Marathon.” The very next day, while walking the track at the gym, another friend mentioned that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation had a few bibs available. She connected me with a local contact, and within an hour I learned that one of the final bibs was mine if I committed to raising $1,200.

I didn’t hesitate. I knew God had opened this door.

Later that day, God placed another idea on my heart. Instead of simply asking for donations, I want to invite 120 people to join me on this journey. When you donate, I invite you to share a prayer request with me. As I train and as I run all 26.2 miles, I’ll be praying for you and your prayer you tell me. If I don’t finish every prayer thought my runs and during the race, I’ll continue praying over them each night before bed.

This marathon is about much more than finishing 26.2 miles. It’s about thanking God for His faithfulness, growing closer to Him with each step, praying for others, and bringing hope to those living with cystic fibrosis. While many of us rarely think about our next breath, people with CF fight for every one.

This journey has an even deeper meaning because God recently called me to start my nonprofit, Rise Up Roses, whose mission is to empower caregivers, children, and educators through self regulation tools, nervous system support, and community. One of the beautiful connections I discovered is that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is represented by 65 Roses, a name that came from young children who found it easier to say than “cystic fibrosis.”

As I serve through Rise Up Roses and run for 65 Roses, I’m reminded that God weaves together stories in ways only He can.

I am not running for myself. I am running for every person living with cystic fibrosis, every family walking this journey, and every person who entrusts me with their prayers.

Most of all, I am running to glorify God, trusting that every mile, every prayer, every donation, and every step points back to Him.

Will you join me?

By donating, you’re helping fund life-changing research while becoming part of something bigger—a journey of faith, hope, prayer, and purpose. Thank you for supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, allowing me to pray for you, and helping us move closer to the day when no one has to live with this disease.

Until there is a cure for everyone.