Running for a Cause: Honoring My Mom’s Journey of Strength and Resilience
In April 2024, my family’s world changed when my mom, Jodi, was diagnosed with breast cancer. With no prior family history, we found ourselves navigating uncharted territory. Over the next eight months, she faced surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation with remarkable strength, never losing her positive spirit. Despite her treatment, she continued to exercise, support friends, host family events, and even help plan my upcoming wedding.
During her diagnosis, my mom discovered Sharsheret, a Jewish cancer organization providing vital support to women and families affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Their resources became a crucial part of her journey, offering educational webinars, Jewish spiritual support, and practical assistance that have made a real impact.
Running the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon with Team Sharsheret became my way of honoring her journey. Each mile was a testament to her resilience and an opportunity to raise awareness about the organization that supported our family. The experience was deeply personal, allowing us to share her story more widely. We were met with an incredible community of support beyond what I had ever imagined.
My family’s journey with Sharsheret is certainly not over. My mom still has challenges ahead, and my fiancée carries the BRCA-2 gene and has two parents who are breast cancer survivors, making her more susceptible to a future diagnosis. But I know that Sharsheret will be there to support us. This mission has shown me the power of community during these times and the importance of organizations that stand by families during their most challenging moments.
Beyond my fundraising efforts, I hope that my mission has raised awareness for Sharsheret’s vital work in supporting men, women, and families confronting the challenges of cancer. By sharing our stories and amplifying Sharsheret’s mission, we can help ensure not only that no one facing this difficult journey feels alone, but also that they know where to go when support is needed.
