Every step is powered by purpose, love, and the determination to change the future of ALS.
For Gabrielle, running is about more than miles; it’s about honoring a friend and carrying forward a mission. When her childhood friend, sports journalist Sarah Langs, was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, Gabrielle was inspired by Sarah’s courage and her determination to turn a devastating diagnosis into a powerful campaign for a cure. Wanting to channel that same spirit, Gabrielle asked Sarah which organization she trusted most, and her answer was Project ALS. Since then, Gabrielle has committed race after race to raising awareness and dedicating her steps to the fight against ALS.
As she prepares for the marathon, Gabrielle is excited to experience one of the city’s most electric days. To her, the marathon is not just about crossing the finish line but about feeling the energy of New York come alive, seeing her loved ones cheering along the course and soaking in the support of thousands of strangers united for a cause. She also hopes her run can remind others that there isn’t just one way to make a contribution. Doing good for ALS should feel meaningful to you, whatever form that takes.
Leading up to the marathon, we sat down with Gabrielle to ask her a few questions about marathon preparations and why she runs for the Project ALS mission.
How has training been going so far?
It’s been going well! Training for a marathon requires a lot of discipline and a daily commitment to a bigger goal—one that some days is easier than others. I’m really proud of the work I’m putting in and grateful for the patience of my loved ones. They’ve provided so much support, whether it’s listening to complaints about ailing body parts, tolerating my limited participation in Friday night plans and other weekend rituals, or co-participating in runs.
What’s the best part of preparing for the marathon?
Marathon training and running are so mental. As you tackle longer distances, it’s hard not to think about how many more miles the marathon consists of, how easy it would be to not run, how hard it is to wake up early some weekday and weekend mornings, or just generally question why you’re doing this.
What does hope look like to you in the fight against ALS?
Sarah.
What does this cause personally mean to you?
In the last 25+ years, I’ve learned many valuable lessons from Sarah. She taught me that girls can know more about sports than boys, that you can transition from a casual runner to a six-time half-marathoner with a little grit and dedication, and that dreams are achievable if you’re willing to put in the work.
Above all, Sarah has taught me to never give up on what you love, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. She never gave up on baseball, she never gave up on her beloved Mets as a kid, and she is not giving up on life, despite her diagnosis. I am in awe of her strength, her perseverance, and her ability to use her platform for the good of the ALS community.
Since Sarah’s diagnosis, she has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars while continuing to do the job she loves. She’s a selfless leader who continues to give in the hope that future generations may find a cure. Contributing to this cause is a way of honoring her, my fiancée’s grandfather who had the disease, and the many others impacted.
What message do you hope to share with people who support your run?
Thank you for supporting me on this journey. I’m lucky to have such a loving community and people in my life who are there for me as I take on new challenges I’m passionate about.
Support Gabrielle’s marathon fundraiser here.
