If you had told me just a few short months ago that I would become a runner, I would have laughed in your face.  I have always been impressed with people who have the endurance and determination to participate in (insanely) long races while at the same time raising money for a cause much greater than themselves- impressed in the I think you're pretty crazy kind of way.  I never imagined I'd be able to put myself anywhere near that category.

It is safe to say, however, that in my last year and a half at Covenant House, I have seen young people overcome much harder obstacles in life than running a few miles.  They have made me more grateful for the family, friends and support system I have, and they have made me want to do more.  I wasn't sure I had it in me, but thanks to one of my coworkers and the strength that the young adults staying with us in New York City and across the Americas demonstrate every day, I have decided to run the 2012 NYC Half Marathon to help raise awareness and funds for homeless and trafficked youth.

The photo I have chosen for my page was taken in the Everglades during a 199-mile relay race I participated in in the beginning of January, my first race ever.  Valerie D'Ambrosi, the coworker mentioned earlier, invited me to join her and 10 friends in this race from Miami to Key West, which we completed as a team in slightly under 33 hours.  There were many moments during that event when I thought back to the people barely younger than myself at Covenant House who struggle every day to rebuild their lives and become accomplished adults.  Even when I felt like giving up, after 17 miles of running for my team with the finish line still many miles away, I knew that there were people battling much harder challenges than what I faced in the road ahead.  So for these peers of mine, I'm taking on the next challenge!

I cannot thank you enough for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!  See you at the finish line!