A wise man once told me "Stay healthy, stay happy", and like many others as the Covid-19 pandemic altered our lives and reshaped our priorities, I found running as release, and a source of peace. Over the last year I've run nearly 1,000 miles, I've gotten stronger, completed my first marathon and found solace in my early morning jogs through the pacific Northwest. More importantly, I've found a community, made new friends and reconnected with old ones as I've tested the limits of my endurance and increasingly old joints. 

My next goal is to run the Los Angeles Marathon behalf of Keep a Child Alive (KCA)! I am excited and proud to be running for KCA, an organization that is helping children and young people reach their potential and live healthier, happier lives. Co-founded in 2003 by Alicia Keys to provide essential support to children suffering with HIV/AIDS, KCA now has programs across Africa and Asia and reaches 150,000 children, young people and adults. KCA works shoulder to shoulder with front line activists and local partners to deliver thematic programs that lift people out of poverty, gain access to education and secure a low impact, sustainable future.

This year has been incredibly hard for everyone, but as we emerge from the COVID19 pandemic we have an opportunity to reflect on how truly devastating it has been for those who are already living with disease, exploitation, hunger and fear. It does not have to be that way - and by supporting myself and TEAM KCA, we can ensure that we can continue to reach those that need it most.

As I train for this iconic 26.2-mile race, my goal is to raise over $700 to support the incredible work done by KCA. I hope you will support me in my efforts to give children a brighter future. Contributions to KCA will go toward KCA programs in Africa and Asia. 

I promise to give you my all and will dig deep on November 7th to better myself and a small part of the future. 

- Nick