For those that don’t know me, my name is Kate Forzono. I am the proud daughter of Laura Moos - the most incredible mother, wife, and friend. We sadly lost my mom about 15 months ago, on June 19th, 2024, to a massive heart attack. It was completely unexpected and earth shattering to say the least. You never believe these devastating circumstances will affect your loved one or your family - until it does.

For those that knew my mother, it goes without saying that she was the light in every dark room, the bright ray of sunshine on a rainy day, and the happiest person known to man. She was kind, charismatic, selfless, and the utmost genuine. She saw the best in everyone, and began and ended everyday with a smile. She always told me you will meet people in life that have more than you, and you will meet people in life that have less than you, which is why you must always be grateful for what you have. And I have never been more grateful for anything the way I am grateful to have shared 27 years with you on this earth, as my mom and best friend.

With that being said, my mom was also the most supportive individual. Even when I told her back in 2023 I think I am going to sign up for a half marathon the day after Thanksgiving (when I hadn't run a mile since high school) – her response was “What a great goal Kate. 13 miles is so far, but we will come to cheer you on for sure. Love you so much.” She never missed a moment of being my biggest fan. I still to this day always say, if I turn out to be half the woman you were, I will consider myself blessed.

Here we are, less than 2 years later, as I am preparing to run the 2025 New York City Marathon on November 2nd, 2025. And what better way to embark on this bucket list dream, than running for a cause. And my mother, and heart disease awareness, are that cause for me. Cardiovascular disease affects individuals worldwide, most of which are unaware. Sadly, cardiovascular disease is responsible for the cause of death for about 17 million people globally.

Since June 19th, 2024, without really realizing, I have tried to embody everything my mother was. Now I seem to relate it more to a term - Live Like Laura. I want to live everyday being utterly grateful for each moment, each opportunity, and each person I get to interact with. I want to radiate happiness and gratitude despite whatever life throws my way. We will all have bad days and that goes without saying, but it takes bad days to appreciate the good ones, and my mother never missed an opportunity to do just that.

In honor of cardiovascular disease, and heart disease awareness, I am raising money for the American Heart Association as I prepare for the New York City Marathon. I am running the marathon in honor of my incredible mother, with “Live Like Laura” as the message and motto of my race, and my life. Whatever money we raise, I will match(up to $1,500), and donate to the American Heart Association the morning before my marathon. ALL I AM ASKING FOR IS $5 a person — please do not feel obligated to give any more than that! I want this to be an affordable and supportive cause for all that want to participate!

If you are reading this, odds are you knew my mother in some capacity, and understand the way she impacted this world for the better. I thank you, for being a part of her world, and now a part of mine. I hope you will take the time to donate to this incredible cause – every dollar will go towards research with the intent to improve awareness and education revolving around heart disease, and what we can do to prevent it from impacting our quality of life.

Live Like Laura has become a part of my world, and now I hope it becomes a part of yours.

With love,

Kate Forzono

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.