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Definitely not a “war zone.” ❤️ Chicago

Today I ran my third Word Major Marathon since my kidney transplant last year; the Chicago Marathon. Marathons are hard, and each time I run one I ask myself why the hell do I do this? I run to show others that kidney transplant recipients can do hard things like running the Chicago Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and the NYC Marathon.

I ran the Chicago Marathon in support of the National Kidney Foundation to further their advancements in kidney health for individuals suffering from kidney disease.

I also ran in honor of my two Stride for Stride teammates who decided not to travel to (and not to run in) the Chicago Marathon due to the current climate of fear and hate so many immigrants are experiencing. It’s because of one beautiful kind-hearted immigrant that I was able to run the Chicago Marathon today - without him I would be tethered to a dialysis machine. Immigrants keep this country running.

- please consider becoming a kidney donor and giving someone the opportunity to accomplish great things again.

Snow day laps around BC and Heartbreak Hill - one of the few places Where the Streets have No Snow.

Tonight Jorge and I went out to dinner to celebrate our 1st Kidneyversary.

A year ago today, January 10, 2024, we were in surgery undergoing a kidney transplant - Jorge the donor and I the recipient. At that time I had no idea how strong I would feel in 12 months time. I had no idea that in my first year I would run four official half-marathons (many more on my own) and one NYC Marathon with Jorge. One year ago my main goal was to walk a few steps in the hospital hallway, which I successfully did.

I am stronger now than I’ve been in years thanks to a kidney donor, my superhero. To celebrate our first anniversary I gave Jorge a 2025 Boston Marathon jacket, which means he and I will be running the Boston Marathon together in April. Training starts tomorrow on Heartbreak Hill.

- please consider becoming a kidney donor.

Read our story at TransplantMarathon.com