This April, I'll be running the Boston Marathon as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, raising funds for the Claudia Adams Barr Research Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This program provides funding for critical research into developing novel therapies for cancer patients.

Boston will be my eleventh marathon, but this one carries a deeper meaning. My cousin Gracie and her husband Kyle's 10-month-old son, Reed, was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by a genetic mutation so rare that it has only been documented five times before. There currently isn't any treatment protocol. Reed is facing a difficult year ahead full of chemotherapy and all of the complications that come with it.

Seeing what he and his parents have faced has been equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. It has given me a new sense of perspective on what strength and resilience really look like.

It's something of an understatement to say that running has always been a big part of my life. It's where I find focus, purpose, and community. This year, I'm channeling that toward something bigger: helping support the research and care that give families like Reed's more hope and better options.

If you'd like to contribute to my fundraising for Dana-Farber, I'd be truly grateful. Every dollar directly supports innovative cancer research and patient care.

Thank you for your support, and for helping me make every mile count for Reed and his family.