My god daughter, Lulu, died in the Texas floods with her friends and counselors at summer camp on July 4th, 2025. I am running a half marathon on May 16th in Brooklyn, NY to raise funds for the foundation created to honor her legacy, Living for Lulu. Her absence from our lives is still recent. What it means for our daily life is not static. This is what Living for Lulu means for me right now:

Living for Lulu means grieving and loving with her family. It means we support each other and do our best to ensure Lulu’s little brother, Holden, has a carefree childhood. That he grows up surrounded by happy, loving adults and not in the shadow of legitimate sadness. That is not only an emotional task, but it also plays out more in more practical ways.

Living for Lulu means shifting old pursuits to be more present. To spend more time together. We live 1,500 miles apart. To be in the house during the down time when Holden wakes up and before he goes to bed. Simple hours when he used to have a best friend readily available for being silly to wake up or wind down.

Living for Lulu means prioritizing mental health so we can show up for each other and for Holden. It means seeking professional help, keeping our normal routines afloat, and now running more miles.

I have never run a half marathon. The first $750 raised will go to Team for Kids, the Brooklyn Half’s official charity. The additional funds raised will go to Living for Lulu Foundation, to honor the life and love of precious Lulu.