I am raising money to support ALS research in honor of my Aunt, Meha Shah, who tragically passed away at age 56 after a year-long battle with ALS.

During the time Meha spent with our family following her diagnosis, our long walks at Loantaka Park (her favorite!) turned into short walks around the house. When this became too strenuous, it turned into short laps around the basement. Within months, the only steps Meha took were those completely assisted by someone else. The average person walks five thousand steps in a day - I saw Meha take fewer than 20 a day before she became fully wheelchair-bound 6 months after her diagnosis. As an avid long-distance runner, I want every mile I run going forward to honor the memory of Meha and the steps she will no longer get to take.

My goal is to raise money for the steps taken from my aunt and all of those struggling with ALS. Meha has always encouraged me to challenge myself and aim high. As difficult as it was to watch her succumb to this debilitating, fatal illness, I was inspired to learn more about ALS and start an independent research project investigating the biological pathways that may cause ALS and potential new treatments. In my research I came across the organization Answer ALS, whose mission is "to accelerate the discovery of treatments and cures for ALS by uniting a global community of researchers, patients, and advocates in an open, collaborative quest for answers." I've chosen Answer ALS as the recipient of the funds raised in my campaign, which I hope will bring us closer to a cure.

I'm aspiring to raise $57,000 by February 4, 2027 when Meha would have celebrated her 57th birthday. I will be tracking every mile I run and dedicating each one of them as Miles for Meha. My goal is to run at least 120 miles each month (~1000miles by 2/4/27) - follow my progress here or @milesformeha. Please help me reach my goal by making a donation! Here are a few ways you can contribute:

1. Make a one-time donation of your preferred amount or based on my projected mileage

($1000 = $1/mile, $500 = $0.50/mile, $250 = $0.25/mile, $100 = $0.10/mile)

2. Make a monthly recurring donation through GoFundMe based on my projected mileage

($120/month = $1/mile, $60/month = $0.50/mile, $30/month = $0.25/mile, $12/month = $0.10/mile)

3. Follow my progress in real time and pledge to support my campaign by donating a select amount for each mile I run!

Sign up here for monthly updates on my progress, and to track my miles!

Note: ALL donations are tax-deductible

Answer ALS (answerals.org)

TO FIND SOLUTIONS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH ALS NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE BY UTILIZING KNOWLEDGE OF PATIENTS, LEADING RESEARCHERS AND TECHNOLOGY TO SEEK IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THOSE LIVING WITH ALS UNTIL A TREATMENT OR CURE IS FOUND; DISCOVER WHAT CAUSES ALS; DEVELOP MODELS TO UNDERSTAND ALS AND SCREEN FOR DRUG AND CELLULAR THERAPY; DISCOVER THERAPIES THAT COULD SUBSTANTIALLY SLOW OR HALT THE PROGRESS OF ALS AND ULTIMATELY CURE THE DISEASE; PROVIDE ALL GATHERED INFORMATION FREE FOR WORLDWIDE USE BY CLINICIANS, SCIENTISTS AND PHARMA TO RAPIDLY ADVANCE THERAPEUTICS.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.