DONNA Marathon Weekend

On February 7, 2027, I’ll be running the DONNA Marathon in honor of my dear friend, Brooke.

I met Brooke in 2008 at UNC through Zeta Tau Alpha, and it didn’t take long to become friends. Brooke has always been one of those people who is impossible not to love. She is fiercely loyal, has the biggest heart, SO much energy, an infectious laugh, and is always up for an adventure. She’s also the kind of person who would casually decide to run a half marathon on a weekend because… why not?

But more than anything, Brooke is someone who makes the people around better and I feel incredibly lucky to have her as a friend.

In January 2026, Brooke was diagnosed with stage 3C triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Since then, she has gone through months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, surgery, and continues to undergo treatment and a clinical trial as she fights this disease.

Watching someone you love go through cancer is incredibly hard. There are so many moments when you wish you could do something—anything—to make it easier or take it away. I obviously can’t do that, but I can run.

On February 7th, I’ll be running the DONNA Marathon, the National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer. The race raises money for breast cancer research while also providing support and financial relief to families facing this disease. Being able to run for Brooke and support a cause that directly impacts so many families makes this race especially meaningful to me.

I’ll be thinking about Brooke every mile—for her strength, her courage, her precious family, and the person she has always been to so many of us.

Brooke has spent her life bringing energy, laughter, and joy to the people around her. This time, I want to do something for her.

If you know Brooke, you already know why I’m running. And if you don’t, I hope you’ll consider supporting her, and the many other families affected by breast cancer, through this fundraiser.

For Brooke. ❤️