Running a marathon has been a goal of mine since I was young, and running the Boston Marathon has been a dream ever since I moved to this beautiful city in 2018. I feel so lucky to be running it for Jeff’s Place, the organization that’s been my home away from home for the last 2.5 years.

When I tell people that I’m a grief therapist at a children’s bereavement center, they often mention how hard it must be. But if you could step into my shoes for just one day, you’d see how deeply rewarding this work is – and how incredibly special Jeff’s Place truly is. Working here as a clinician has been both a tremendous privilege and, at times, the toughest challenge of my life. I have the honor of sitting with children, teens, young adults, and caregivers as they share their stories of grief, loss, and love.

When families come to Jeff’s Place, they are often at their lowest point. They arrive in the midst of tragedy, and there are no easy fixes or happy endings. The reality of their loss is permanent. While we hold space for their pain, we also hold hope for these families, until they can carry it themselves. As they find connection, joy, and shared humanity within our community, they begin to rebuild their lives after loss. Jeff’s Place helps provide the scaffolding to rebuild—empowering families to write their own story of resilience, one that can include laughter amid tears and beauty amid suffering.

My involvement with this supportive community has forever changed me. The people I’ve met, the growth I’ve witnessed, and the resilience I’ve encountered have inspired me to take on new challenges—like running a marathon!

I love cheering on the kids I work with year after year, and I hope you’ll join me in supporting Jeff’s Place by making a donation to my fundraiser. We are small but mighty, and your contribution will truly help us plant seeds of hope in the lives of grieving families.