This May, I’m running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon for my dear friend Ellie. I met Ellie while working as her nursing assistant during school, and she quickly became so much more than someone I cared for—she became like a Nana to me, a mentor, and someone who has completely shaped the way I love and show up for others.

A few years ago, Ellie was in a tragic car accident where she lost her husband and became paralyzed from the waist down. She lives with a lot of pain and has frequent hospitalizations. She requires 24/7 care from an aid. But if you know Ellie, that’s not what defines her at all. She still gardens, cooks, hosts prayer meetings, keeps up her home, and is constantly pouring into the people around her. She’s shown me what it looks like to be a victor, not a victim. She has modeled what it is like to trust and fully rely on God no matter the circumstances. She is truly one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met.

I’ll be running these 13.1 miles in honor of Ellie and my goal is to raise money to help support her with medical bills, daily living expenses, and take even a little bit of stress off her shoulders. Everything will go directly to her. If you feel led to give, thank you so much. If not, please keep Ellie in your prayers. God bless you all!