The rumors are true: I am running the 2022 NYC Marathon!!

After years of cheering on friends and total strangers alike as they race across this beautiful city, I'm excited to officially join the pack and (somehow, hopefully) run 26.2 miles this November. And though I have an exceptional playlist to motivate me (song suggestions are welcome but not guaranteed), there is something else that will be pushing me through these 18 grueling weeks of training. I am running as part of Team Chai Lifeline, a wonderful international organization that provides year-round emotional, social, and financial support to more than 5,800 children and their families every year - families like my own.

Throughout the year, Chai Lifeline provides emotional, social, and financial assistance to more than 5,900 children and their families. Whether it’s counseling, case management, meals delivered to hospitals and homes, transportation to medical appointments, insurance advocacy, volunteering or Big Brother and Big Sister programming, or Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special medically-supervised summer camps, Chai Lifeline’s innovative programs and services help families navigate the complexities of childhood illness and restore joy and happiness. I know about Camp Simcha firsthand from my cousin Ali Acosta, who has spent the last several summers there as a camper. Every year, Camp Simcha provides Ali with two weeks of nonstop camp fun (arts & crafts, lifelong friendships, even a star turn on a 4th of July parade float!), which serves as a welcome distraction from the stress and worries of living with illness.

As part of Team Lifeline, I plan to raise over $5,000 by race day (November 6th!!) and I hope you will help me reach this goal by making a small tax-deductible donation. Your support is a critical part of this effort and I know that together we can make a difference to these children.

Thank you for supporting me, and in doing so, helping kids like Ali experience the magic of summer camp and so much more.

I look forward to keeping you informed of my progress as a runner (aka lots of sweaty selfies).

thank you!!!
julia