Hi, I'm Lauren! On November 7th I will run my FIRST FULL marathon in the TCS NYC Marathon with the Partners for Hope Marathon Team benefitting the Center on Addiction. The Partnership to End Addiction is a non-profit organization that not only helps those suffering from addiction, but their families who are affected as well. I'm so excited to be running for such a great organization, and one that's close to my heart. My cousin, Thomas, lost his battle with addiction in September 2018. I run for him. He had a huge heart, an amazing soul and a great personality. He not only was my cousin, but also my friend. My goal is not only to raise awareness on addiction, but destigmatize it as well. It's a disease that doesn't discriminate. Tom had a lot of things going for him, an amazing career, a supportive and loving family and great friends. Yet he still suffered alone for a long time. The truth is you never really know what someone else is going through or dealing with, so being kind and having compassion for each other is a little something that goes a very long way. November 7,2021 - every single one of those 26.2 miles will be for Tom and all those we have lost to addiction. His family and friends all miss him every single day, but we continue to remember him, and find ways to keep his memory alive. I appreciate everyone who donates and supports me on my journey to run for this amazing cause. No donation is too small to help make a difference. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!