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Last year, I ran my very first road race — the Falmouth Road Race — in honor of longtime race spectator Barb Pelletier. Barb spent years cheering runners on from the sidelines, and running in her honor felt like the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of Falmouth.

This year, I’m back on the starting line — but now I’m running for a cause that has shaped the last 14 years of my life: Special Olympics.

My journey began as a college intern with Special Olympics Rhode Island. What started as an internship quickly became something much bigger. For the past 14 years, I’ve served on the SORI Games Management Team, helping plan the State Summer Games for more than 1,500 athletes each year.

Even more special: I’ve shared that role with my dad (fun fact — we’re both URI alumni!). Planning Summer Games together has become our favorite weekend of the year. There’s nothing like watching months of preparation come to life as athletes compete, families cheer, volunteers rally, and the entire community comes together around inclusion and joy.

Along the way, I’ve coached basketball, competed as a Unified partner, and built lifelong friendships through this movement. Special Olympics has brought so many incredible people into my life — athletes, families, coaches, volunteers — people who inspire me daily with their resilience, humor, determination, and heart. The community is what keeps me coming back year after year.

Now, I’m proud to be an official race partner for Special Olympics Massachusetts at the Falmouth Road Race.

Special Olympics is about so much more than sports. It’s about dignity. Confidence. Opportunity. It’s about creating spaces where every athlete is seen for their abilities — and given the chance to thrive.

And today, inclusion is more important than ever.

I’m running these 7 miles for the 1,500+ athletes who show up every year ready to compete and shine. I’m running for the families who find connection and support through this community. And I’m running for a world where everyone belongs.

If you’re able, please consider supporting my run with a donation. Your contribution helps fund year-round sports, competitions, and life-changing opportunities for Special Olympics athletes across Massachusetts.

Thank you for being part of this journey — it truly means so much. 💙