Losing a child is often described as an earthquake - the kind that may shutter a family. However, if the foundation is strong, the house will stand.
One Sunday morning in January 2024, our world shook to its core. Our 14‑year‑old daughter Sophie did not wake up. She died suddenly in her sleep from a benign, asymptomatic, exceptionally rare SEGA brain tumor. We had no idea. No chance to say for the last time, “We love you so...”
With her keen intellect, boundless curiosity, and youthful spark, Sophie was deeply loved and widely respected. Her loss was felt profoundly among faculty and friends at Speyer School, the American Ballet Theatre JKO School, the Scholastic US Chess community, Condors Swim Club, and beyond.
I truly believe Sophie’s tumor went undiagnosed for so long because she was a true athlete. Swimming had such a transformative, healing effect on her body that she would shake off any signs she might have felt — never feeling ill, always ready to go. She was strong in ways that still humble me. And I often imagine that if Sophie had survived, she might have had to rebuild her life from scratch, given the traumatic effects current treatments can have on survivors. But that is not what happened.
With my heart’s deepest core in this tragedy, I want to make the impact Sophie’s whole life could have made. I want to help others in need. This has become my purpose — my sole mission.
If you are able to contribute, Victoria and I ask that your support be directed to the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation. CBTF is dedicated to raising awareness, improving treatment, and strengthening the long‑term outlook for children and young adults affected by brain tumors. CBTF supports families from the day of diagnosis and throughout the entire brain tumor journey. Donations of any size are deeply appreciated.
As for our house, it stands stronger. This year I’m running not only for Sophie, but also for our newborn son George. I run with the hope that one day George and I will cross the NYC Marathon finish line together, carrying this cause forward, hand in hand.
With all our love — ever onward
