Help Kali raise money

Dear Family and Friends,

I have taken on a new challenge — and I need your help!

On October 19, 2025, I will proudly run the Half Marathon with Team Believe in the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I’m running to support children around the world to overcome barriers and access education through Children Believe — a cause that hits incredibly close to home.

You see, in October 2023, I ran my very first Half Marathon — a major milestone for someone who grew up with a heart condition. I was born with transposition of the great arteries, and at just one week old, I had open heart surgery. My childhood was filled with cardiology appointments, checkups, and questions about what my future might hold. Now in my adult life, those visits are less frequent, but just as vital.

When I crossed the finish line of my first Half Marathon, I wasn’t just celebrating a run — I was celebrating possibility. My cardiologist, Dr. Rafael Alonso-Gonzalez, was overjoyed. He saw this moment as a turning point, a spark of something bigger, and encouraged me to keep going. When I told him I wanted to improve my time by 30 minutes, he didn’t just cheer me on — he helped create a tailored running plan, scheduled my next tests around my goals, and then made a gesture that left me speechless: he offered to run the marathon with me! A doctor who has walked alongside me in my journey these adult years is now literally running beside me.

That moment changed something in me.

I was born in a city and country where I had access to life-saving medical care, supportive specialists, and an education system that empowered me (and the doctors on my team) to grow, learn, and dream. Not all children have that. In the communities where Children Believe works, kids are often missing their own “Dr. Alonso” — facing barriers like poverty, lack of healthcare, unsafe environments, and limited access to education. These children deserve more. They deserve to dream as big as any of us can.

That’s why this run is more than a personal goal — it’s a mission. I’m not stopping at the finish line. As I train, I also aim to raise over $1,000 to support Children Believe’s programs. Their work helps children access education, clean water, healthy food, and safe spaces to grow and play — and empowers them with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to change their lives.

I’m starting with a personal donation — and I hope you’ll join me. Every dollar raised goes toward breaking the cycle of poverty and opening doors for children to live boldly, dream fearlessly, and reach their full potential.

Donating is simple, secure, and deeply appreciated. Please consider sharing this message with anyone who might be moved to give as well.

Thank you for being part of my journey — and for standing with children who are dreaming of a better tomorrow.

With gratitude,
Kali