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.  

Why am I doing this? Honestly, I asked myself the same question.

A close friend participated in PHL24 last year and came back telling me he'd climbed steps for 24 hours straight. My first reaction was that he was out of his mind — until he told me about the cause and the real people it helps. That conversation stuck with me.

Then, last year, I lost my father to heart disease. When my friend asked if I'd join him this year, I didn't hesitate. I'm climbing for every family navigating the kind of pain mine knows all too well.

For years, I've trained for myself — to feel good, stay healthy, look good. This year, I'm training for someone else. This climb is my way of saying to those in the fight of their lives: you are not alone, and we will fight alongside you.

PHL24 is built on resilience, community, and showing up when it matters most. Alongside 30 dedicated athletes, I'll be climbing with grit and compassion for 24 hours straight — because others are fighting battles far harder than ours.

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 need your support. Please consider donating through the link in my bio. Every contribution goes directly to families facing impossible circumstances, and I'm truly grateful for anything you can give.