In February 2024, my 1-year-old niece, Olivia, was diagnosed with a rare form of Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia (AMKL). This nightmare is one that no family should ever have to endure. Currently, Olivia lives full-time at Children’s National Hospital in DC, where she has successfully completed two rounds of chemotherapy, one of which was administered alongside a new clinical trial protocol. While the advancements in treatment options for leukemia have grown significantly, we are still far away from ending this disease. 

In honor of Olivia, I am running the TCS New York City Marathon to raise funds in support of pediatric cancer research and to help Tackle Kids Cancer.  All money raised will be directed towards finding cures and treatment options for pediatric cancers, such as AMKL, and will also directly benefit the Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health to help their littlest patients, like Olivia, become kids again.

The Children’s Cancer Institute has stood as a beacon of hope for children and families dealing with pediatric cancer…but more can be done. Pediatric cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease among children in the US and only 4% of cancer research dollars are allocated to pediatric cancer. These facts are devastating, but the doctors at the Children’s Cancer Institute are working tirelessly to find a cure. Please support us to help end childhood cancer!

Raising money to find a cure is a marathon – not a sprint.  We have a long way to go, and every dollar helps!  Even $20 would make a big difference for the pediatric cancer patients at the Children's Cancer Institute.

Thank you for supporting this amazing cause and our warrior princess, Olivia!  Together we can make a bigger impact in this fight against pediatric cancer.

Remember…together WE CAN Tackle Kids Cancer! 

#LivLikeAWarrior