This September 12th and 13th,  I am climbing the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Art Museum for 24 continuous hours as a Sponsored Athlete for Legacy of Hope during their 9th annual endurance event, PHL24.  

I will be running in honor of three people who left us far too soon:

• Jacob Manders, my older brother, who died at 23 years old in a hiking accident. He constantly challenged himself in all facets of his life and went above and beyond to care for those close to him. He was my best friend, big brother, and running buddy. 
• Jaclyn Ehrlich, a family friend who died at 18 years old from Ewing Sarcoma. Jaclyn was magnetic- friendly, funny, and full of energy. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen and connected, and her warmth made everyone around her brighter.  
• Matt Lomazoff, a neighbor and family friend who died at 31 years old from brain cancer. Matt’s smile could light up a room. He carried his sharp sense of humor and good spirits even through the hardest months of his fight, never letting cancer steal his joy.

These individuals and their stories continue to inspire me both in their life and death.

PHL24 is built on resilience, community, and showing up for others when they need it most. Alongside 30 other dedicated athletes, I’ll be climbing with the grit, compassion, and community-driven resilience that Philadelphia is known for. We climb because others are in the fight of their lives.

Legacy of Hope provides emergency support to cancer patients and families when all other resources have been exhausted. We climb so that families have access to fresh, healthy food, heat, hot water, housing support, and other critical necessities during the most difficult moments of their lives.

This journey won’t be easy,  but our commitment and resolve are unwavering.  

I promise never to quit, and I need your support.  The 24-hour athlete team remains steadfast in our resolve to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who have nowhere else to turn.  We promise to leave our Legacy of Hope.

Check out Legacy of Hope's Emergency Patient Support Network which is literally changing lives and providing hope everyday. To date we’ve prevented hunger for over 8,200 cancer patients and family members living in Philadelphia.

I am grateful for your support, which directly helps families facing impossible circumstances.