It all began with Boston…

In 2018, I ran the Boston Marathon for Team Challenge ALS. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which eventually leads to muscle paralysis. The disease is always fatal. There is no known cure and people with ALS live an average of 2-5 years after diagnosis.

I’ve been involved with the ALS Association for over 15 years now after my grandmother, Mary Verone (“Bema” as we called her) passed away from the disease in 2007. Back then, not many people knew what ALS was, let alone what it did to the body. It attacks everyone differently, but for my grandmother, it started in her throat making it difficult for her to speak, eat or swallow. She had a feeding tube for the majority of her illness and even used a machine that would speak for her.

Although awareness of the ALS Association and advancements in research have come a long way since 2007, we’re far from finished.

Team Challenge ALS is just one of the ways the Association is making a difference in the lives of those with the disease. It’s an endurance program that challenges people to accomplish physical & fundraising achievements for those who cannot – with all money raised supporting research and care service programs.

A decade ago, I started running as a way to challenge myself and push my body to see what it was capable of. Even with injuries slowing me down and testing my strength along the way, I set my sights on 26.2.

Marathons push and challenge me in ways I never thought possible, but my grandmother was always one of my biggest supporters and was constantly telling me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. My first marathon, and every one after will always be for her.

Come along with me on my journey to 6 stars — Boston & Chicago, done! Up next: London, Berlin, Toyko & NYC.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love & support!

– Alexis