Running In Memory of Uncle Rod: Fundraiser for OnPoint NYC

This November I am running the NYC Marathon with my dad, in memory of my Uncle Rod. While I am not running with a charity because I qualified through NYRR's 9+1 Program, I will be talking about running so much on social media that I want to take the opportunity to raise money for a cause very close to my heart. My goal is to raise $500 for OnPoint NYC by November 3rd.

OnPoint NYC is a harm reduction service provider that offers safer drug use and overdose training. Based in NYC, they have drop-in centers with hot meals and hygiene products, a garden in East Harlem, overdose prevention centers, outreach and public safety teams, drug testing, mental health resources, and so much more.

Addiction is a disease and those suffering from it deserve to be respected and treated with kindness. Instead, society looks down on them, shames them, and criminalizes them. Destigmatization begins with conversation and awareness, something I hope to spark while raising money.