In August of 2024, five-and-a-half-year-old Frank “Fritz” Rustel Vordermark passed away at home with his loving family after a two-year battle with complex epilepsy caused by an ultra-rare non-hereditary genetic mutation. Fritz’s mom, Annie Gordon, is one of my oldest and dearest friends.

In honor of his love of music, Fritz’s parents and older sister hope to create a music program and music room at Fritz’s preschool, Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center in Lynchburg, VA.

On March 16th, I’ll be running the Tobacco Road Half Marathon in Cary, NC in memory of Fritz. Please consider donating in memory of Fritz. Fritz’s smile and love of life were contagious. I’ve been carrying his light with me as I train, and I will carry it all 13.1 miles on race day.