“I am honored to be running the Chicago Marathon as a member of the Special Children’s Charities team, in loving memory of my lifelong friend, Mason.

Mason was the kind of person you felt lucky to know. While he was a man of many talents, he was best known for his profound ability to connect with others. He possessed a huge heart, a unique gift for bringing people together, and an unwavering commitment to making sure no one ever felt left out.

One of the places Mason’s superpower shone brightest was in his dedication to the special needs community. Supporting this community wasn’t just a hobby or a task for Mason; it was something he poured his heart into. He led with kindness and patience, possessing a natural ability to make everyone he interacted with feel seen, valued, and included. It was the ultimate reflection of the selfless person he was.

Our friendship spanned more than a decade—from the hallways of middle school and Hebrew school to our Birthright Israel trip and into the start of our adult lives. Losing him has been one of the hardest challenges I have ever faced, but it has also provided me with a clear purpose: to honor the things that mattered most to him.

That is why I am so proud to run for Special Children’s Charities. This organization lives out Mason’s mission every day—uplifting, supporting, and empowering children with special needs. By taking on these 26.2 miles, I feel I am able to give back a small portion of the love Mason gave so freely to the world.

I am running the Chicago Marathon to celebrate my friend’s life, to honor his greatest passion, and to keep his superpower of connection alive.”