Setbacks Are the Pathways to COMEBACKS!

For those who know me, you know I've logged countless miles while fundraising for a cure. During my early running days, I was diagnosed with MS. I wondered how I would ever continue running, but with the support of my family, friends, and running teammates, I learned that future races were still possible. I faced a setback—and I made my comeback. I kept running and even completed my 5th marathon on my 50th birthday weekend. I felt alive, invincible, and unstoppable.

Three years later, I learned I had kidney disease: IgA Nephropathy. IgAN is a condition where a protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the kidneys, causing inflammation that can eventually impair their ability to filter waste from the blood. I was diagnosed at stage 4 kidney disease with only 24% kidney function. I was treated with high-dose steroids and managed my condition with a low-salt diet to help control my blood pressure.

My disease progressed quickly. Nearly three years later, I was placed on the kidney transplant list and worked tirelessly to find my living donor hero. During this time, I was hospitalized and needed emergency hemodialysis. Eventually, I transitioned to home dialysis—overnight, seven days a week—which suited me far better than the in-clinic schedule.

Thanks to my loving sister-in-law, who selflessly became an altruistic donor to someone in need, I received a voucher through the National Kidney Registry. That voucher allowed me to receive my gift from another altruistic donor. I am blessed to have two incredible heroes in my life.

On January 23, 2024, I received my transplant—and I have never felt better.

After giving myself time to recover, I began to hope that another race might be in my future. So when I learned that the IgA Nephropathy Foundation had been chosen as an official charity partner of the Jersey City Marathon, I signed up as fast as I could.

For my next comeback, I am training for a half marathon on April 19, 2026. In many ways, I’m starting from scratch. My mind insists it will be easy, but my body is slowly learning to believe it again.

And just like every time before, with support from family, friends, and former running teammates; I know this comeback is possible.

We Can for IgAN: Every Step. Every Story. Every Hope.

This year, the IgA Nephropathy Foundation is honored to have been selected as an official charity partner of the Jersey City Marathon

— a recognition that gives our community the incredible opportunity to share our mission on one of the region’s biggest stages.

As Team We Can for IgAN, we’re running, walking, and fundraising to bring visibility to IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) — a rare autoimmune kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure.

For us, every step represents strength, every mile carries a story, and every finish line moves us closer to a cure.

The IgA Nephropathy Foundation is the only nonprofit 100% dedicated to supporting IgAN patients and their families through education,

financial aid, mental health support, and groundbreaking research.

Being part of this marathon isn’t just about running — it’s about standing together, showing what’s possible, and turning awareness into action.

We run for our loved ones. We run for hope. We run because We Can for IgAN.

💙 Join us. Support us. Believe with us.

Donate to our team, become a fundraiser, or simply share our story.

Together, we can do what once felt impossible — and cross the finish line for a future free from IgA Nephropathy.