I’m thrilled to be running the 2026 NYC Marathon as part of the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation Team. 

CBTF supports children and families impacted by brain and spinal cord tumors.

I would be incredibly grateful for your support as I take on 26.2 miles for my son, Samuel, and this important cause.

Samuel’s story:

Samuel is what we call a “rainbow baby.” His birth was thrilling and his name reflects how cherished he has always been.

At 21 months of age, Samuel began having abnormal neurological symptoms. After a few scary days and some intensive testing, Samuel was diagnosed with a brain tumor. A Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma. A benign brain tumor, but one that was causing him life threatening hydrocephalus (a build up of cerebrospinal fluid). Our world was flipped upside down.

Samuel immediately underwent a craniotomy to remove the tumor and relieve the pressure. Recovery was tough. At 21 months of age, Samuel was not able to communicate his needs well. He also had to learn to walk again. His balance and coordination were very poor. After recovery, Samuel enjoyed completely normal health. He was even dismissed from the neurosurgeon and required no additional monitoring.

Fast forward 11 years. Samuel was now 12 years old. Unexpectedly, he began experiencing neurological symptoms again. We rushed him to the ER. Our hearts were shattered as the doctors discovered another mass in his brain. Samuel was terrified. After endless testing and waiting, it was determined that this was a fluid mass. It developed because of scarring and calcification that occurred due to Samuel’s original surgery as a toddler. Simply put, his brain didn’t have the space it needed and CSF was accumulating, forming a fluid mass. 

Over 4 months, Samuel underwent 3 surgeries. He eventually had a 7.5 hour craniectomy to remove the fluid mass and neaten up the damaged dura. Unfortunately, this intensive surgery still did not solve Samuel’s fluid problems and he had to have a VP shunt placed. This constantly helps the extra fluid to be drained from his brain into his abdominal cavity via a catheter that is underneath his skin. The fluid problem was finally solved.

Samuel is now several months post op and is enjoying being a happy and healthy 13 year old boy. He loves fishing, tractors, and Legos.

My goal while running the NYC marathon for CBTF is to bring awareness and support to children like Samuel. The entire 26.2 miles will be devoted to running for children who can’t. 

Many thanks for your support and for learning Samuel’s story.