This year, I'm running the 2026 Unified 5K and raising funds for AdaptX — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that opens doors to health and fitness for individuals with disabilities through education, research, advocacy, and scholarship.

My connection to this mission runs deep. I've known Brendan since 2016. We started out lifting together in the cage at Nashoba, and I was right there with him when he opened his first gym — unpacking boxes, setting up lifting racks, and believing in his vision before anyone else could see it.

For years, we coached Special Olympics together — soccer, basketball, countless practices and games — and through that time I grew incredibly close with him and his best buddy Jacob. Watching Brendan show up, season after season, year after year, entirely for his community and for others, shaped the way I think about what it means to lead and be part of your community. 

Brendan has always been a role model to me. Everything he does, he does for someone else.

I've been proud to support his race for years. But this year is different — this year, I get to push an adaptive athlete across that finish line alongside him.

If you've ever believed in someone who gives everything they have to others, please consider donating. Every dollar goes directly toward making fitness more accessible for people who deserve it just as much as the rest of us.