Every stride honors her grandmother’s legacy and moves us closer to a world without ALS.
When it comes to running for a cause, Karen’s journey began with purpose. While preparing for the New York City Half Marathon, she searched for a charity that aligned with something deeply meaningful, and found Project ALS. What started as a simple search quickly became a personal mission rooted in family, memory, and hope.
Karen’s connection to ALS runs close to home. Years ago, her grandmother’s diagnosis left a lasting impression, one marked by both struggle and resilience. Seeing her family unite through that experience inspired Karen to honor her grandmother’s legacy in motion mile by mile.
Now, as marathon season approaches, she faces the challenges of summer training with the same determination that fuels every runner on Team Project ALS. For Karen, each stride represents a commitment to sustaining research, building community, and moving closer to a cure.
Leading up to the marathon, we sat down with Karen to learn more about what inspires her journey and what hope looks like in the fight against ALS.
What are you most looking forward to on race day?
Race day is the reward for training. Can’t wait to experience the crowds and the city. Running with a purpose makes the hard work a little sweeter!
How has training been going so far?
Training for the marathon has been going well. Training is long, but I have taken it week by week.
Why did you choose to dedicate your marathon to raising funds for Project ALS?
My grandmother was such a charitable person, and it was hard seeing her ability to serve others decline with her disease. It is extending her legacy to give back in a meaningful way.
What message do you hope to share with people who support your run?
There is always a way to support a cause to provide hope.
What would you say to someone who’s considering fundraising for ALS research in their own way?
Anything helps. When we can all come together, in a combined effort, the results and opportunities are compounded.
What does hope look like to you in the fight against ALS?
Sustain efforts and research for treatments and ultimately a cure.
Support Karen’s marathon fundraiser here.
