This year I have chosen to run with Team Lifeline after seeing firsthand how they help families navigate the complexities of childhood illness with grace and joy. Chai Lifeline has supported my buddy Anderson in many ways including summer sleepaway camp.

Chai Lifeline is an organization that provides emotional, social, and financial assistance to children and their families through counseling, crisis and trauma intervention, meals deliveries, transportation, insurance advocacy, and medically-supervised Simcha summer camps.

As a Pediatric ICU nurse, I witness the profound toll that childhood illness takes—not only on the child, but on their loved ones. Chai Lifeline provides transformative support for families and creates opportunities for these kids to make memories and experience the kind of fun they may never have imagined possible.

I was introduced to Chai Lifeline through a very special family—the Albans. I met them in 2017 when Anderson was just three years old. My job at the time was to hang out with him, have fun, and most importantly, ensure he was happy and healthy.

Anderson was born with a rare genetic kidney disease that requires him to take vitamins and minerals around the clock. But that has never stopped him from becoming the superstar he is today. Over the years, Anderson has shown me what it truly means to have strength, courage, and resilience. On both the good days and the hard ones, he continues to show up for himself. Every single day, he pushes forward in the most admirable way. Anderson is now 12, and one of the smartest, coolest kids I know.

On November 1st, I will be representing him and all his friends at Chai Lifeline at the New York City Marathon, a race I’ve dreamt of running for years. Anderson, thanks for helping make my dreams come true dude, this one’s for you! I promise to give it everything I have.