Running for Diabetes Research

My personal and professional motto is "Leave an Impact".

My name is Mary, I am an American from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, a Lehigh University grad, a former Division I softball player, and now I run a marketing consultancy business where I aim to engage customers in social impact projects that better their communities. Oh, I also live in Verona, Italy with my Italian husband and two kids: Jayson (6) and Vincent (3).

As I turn 39 and start my 40th trip around the sun, I started thinking about how I could contribute more, and I considered what I like to do and what's important to me.

I like to run. A lot.

Last year I started training more seriously, and participated in 12 competitive races ranging between 10K, 15K and 21K (half marathon) between Europe and the United States. In November 2022 I finally hit my running goal of doing a half marathon in under 1h30 (1:29:20 finish) and a 10K in under 40' (39:36 finish), and now I am setting my sights higher.

NYC Marathon: 5 November 2023.

I'm in! Officially registered, I will be running my first full marathon on the world's biggest stage!

So why run for Diabetes Research?

Diabetes has made its way into my family in various ways. My dad was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 1998 and it has greatly affected his lifestyle over the years. My sister had gestational diabetes throughout two pregnancies. I, myself, had PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which is closely linked to diabetes and the body's ability to produce and effectively use insulin. Diabetes now affects around 1 in 10 adults worldwide.

Unfortunately, diet and lifestyle choices are not enough to combat this disease. It is also genetic, which is why research in this area is increasingly important. My family has been lucky enough to manage diabetes and related illnesses with proper medication and particular attention to an active lifestyle and healthy diet options. But more can be done.

So that's why I run!

I will be traveling from Verona to NYC in November and hitting the 5 boroughs of Manhattan for 42.2 km (26.1 miles). You can track me on race day and contribute to my campaign!