Team Jeremiah with a Twist: Running for the Future

I’m thrilled to be running my second Boston Marathon this year for the Miles for Miracles Team! This time, however, there’s an extra layer of meaning, an extra burst of motivation—because I’ll be running in honor of two incredibly special children: my son, Jeremiah, and my best friend Alicia's daughter, Adalina.

For those of you who know Jeremiah’s extraordinary start to life, you’ll understand why this marathon is so much more than just a race for me. But this year, my motivation to run is deeper than ever.

Jeremiah's Journey: Overcoming Obstacles with a Smile

Two years ago, we began noticing something that would change our family’s routine. Jeremiah’s hearing, which had already been impacted by meningitis as a baby, started to decline further. It was a difficult reality to face, but we were determined to support him with everything he needed.

After meeting with our incredible team at Boston Children’s Hospital and undergoing several rounds of testing, Jeremiah was fitted for his first pair of hearing aids. Since then, he has thrived in ways that continuously amaze me. His hearing aids have allowed him to engage fully in school and life, and he has embraced this new chapter with a strength and resilience that seems beyond his years.

In fact, Jeremiah has adapted so well that he’s become a fierce advocate for himself. At just seven years old, he navigates his world with a determination and positivity that is truly inspiring. He tackles each challenge with a smile on his face and a focus that would impress anyone—adult or child. His ability to create meaningful relationships, excel in every environment he enters, and approach life with such a can-do attitude is something I admire every single day.

Jeremiah’s daily determination is my motivation. While I prepare for the Boston Marathon, I can’t help but think about the marathon he runs every day—facing challenges, overcoming hurdles, and doing it all with a smile. He is a true inspiration, and I’m honored to run in his name.

Adalina: Strength, Grit, and a Heart of Gold

Alongside Jeremiah, I’m also running for someone equally inspiring—Adalina, the daughter of my best friends, Alicia and Josh Wilson. Adalina was born with an extra chromosome, and while many might focus on the challenges that come with this, I choose to focus on her grit, determination, and strength.

Adalina has been a patient at the Down Syndrome Clinic at Boston Children's Hospital since day one, and her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From the moment she was born, Adalina has captured the hearts of everyone who meets her. She approaches life with a fierce will, and despite the challenges she faces, she never backs down. Her determination to excel in everything she does is something I deeply admire.

As her mother, Alicia, and I have navigated each doctor’s appointment, each diagnosis, and each milestone together, our families have become more than friends—we’ve become fierce advocates for our children. Together with our husbands, we are committed to ensuring that kids like Jeremiah and Adalina are seen not for their differences, but for their strengths. We know these two are destined to be change-makers, and I am so proud to watch them grow, thrive, and make their mark on the world.

The Finish Line Is Just the Beginning

So here I am, preparing for the Boston Marathon, not just for myself—but for Jeremiah, Adalina, and all the kids and families like them who face obstacles with a smile and unwavering determination. This race will be an endurance test, no doubt. But it’s nothing compared to the “marathons” that Jeremiah and Adalina run every single day of their lives.

I couldn’t be more excited to lace up my shoes, hit the pavement, and run for these two incredible kids and their futures. Together, we’ll go the distance!

Let’s goooooooooo!