A person has so many “firsts” in their life. First steps, first words, first day of school, first relationship – the list goes on and on. But with so many “firsts” you can experience, a person rarely has new “beginnings.”

To me, a new beginning represents a fresh start, a clean slate, the starting point of a new journey. It’s a really exciting time in life when you’re eager to explore, learn, and grow.

Aside from going to college, coming to Boston has been one of the biggest “beginnings” for me. Not only was this the start of a new adventure, but it came with some pretty big “firsts” starting with my first job out of school, my first apartment, even my first time living outside of NY state. I’ve embraced this city as my new home and spent the past year and a half exploring, learning, and continuing to grow.

And Boston is about to bring me another “first” – my first marathon.

A few years ago, I started running as a way to challenge myself and push my body to see what it was capable of. I started slow with 5 and 10Ks and was training for my first Half when I injured my knee. Things weren’t looking good for my running goals after that, especially since doctors told me I wouldn’t be able to run more than 3 miles. I was devastated, but determined. After months of physical therapy I came back better than ever and finished my first half marathon in the worst conditions possible (I’m talking a straight up blizzard that morning). Later that year I ended up back in physical therapy for a back injury and was struggling to return to my normal running routine. It was a long road to recovery, but I was able to bounce back and finish another half this past October.

Now, I’m setting my sights on whole 26.2. Aside from this being my first full marathon, this race will have a very special purpose.

I’m running in support of the ALS Association for Team Challenge ALS – an endurance program that challenges people to accomplish physical & fundraising achievements for those who cannot. This program is just one of the ways the Association is making a difference in the lives of people battling ALS with all money raised funding research to find a cure and care service programs.

ALS took my grandmother from us far too soon. I remember the week before she passed away, she told me all she wanted to do was see me graduate. I was 12 at the time and joked around saying that I would just study hard and skip six grades so she could. But the sad reality is that she wasn’t able to see me graduate high school or college for that matter. She barely got to watch me grow up, let alone grow into the person I am today.

I’m doing this for her, and the thousands of other people currently battling ALS. I’m doing it for someone else’s grandparent, parent, child, sibling, cousin, friend who have hopes of creating memories, celebrating milestones, and surviving this disease.

It’s seem kind of silly when you put it that way – how is running a marathon going to help fight a fatal disease? Well, the money I raise during my campaign, and all the money Team Challenge ALS raises will go towards research to find a cure. And that’s a sign of hope. A hope that one day, people won’t have to lose their loved ones anymore to this disease. That they will have a chance to see many more birthdays, graduations, and weddings. That they will be a survivor.

I want to be a part of that new hope. I want the chance to give someone else a new “beginning” at life.

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Check out my Crowdrise page for the full story & to donate:  http://bit.ly/BostonBeginnings262