I Run for Those Who Can't - Stop ALS in its Tracks!

Eleven years ago when I was just 24 years old, my mother, Miriam Cooper, died of ALS after a too short battle with the terrible disease. She was a vibrant woman who always had a positive attitude and saw the cup half full even when her life was very difficult.

If that wasn't enough to make me want to fight ALS with everything I have, my fabulous older sister, Devorah Schochet received that same devastating diagnosis on February 13, 2013. All of the things that have been happening to Devorah's body are horrifying. What is even more horrifying is that Devorah and our family have seen this all before with our mother. The way that Devorah's muscles are degenerating seems eerily familiar.

Devorah is only 44 years old and has four children ages 10-22. She fights her illness every day with a smile, humor, and unbelievable strength and she has been fighting it for over five years! Devorah still manages to inspire countless people and make them laugh through her blog. She is truly an inspiration.

About five years ago I started running and started a team in The Jerusalem Marathon to raise money for the foundation started in my sister's honor shortly after her diagnosis, The Shirat Devorah ALS Foundation. We have since raised over $60,000! Ever since then, running, especially for ALS, has been a big part of my life. Running and raising money for ALS awareness, support, and research has given me a purpose and has made me feel proactive in the fight against ALS.

I run for my mother. I run for my sister. I run to fight ALS.

I run for myself and I run for those who can't. To be able to run for ALS TDI in The NYC Marathon is a dream come true! It gives me the unbelievable opportunity to combine the great passions of my life, running and fundraising for ALS. It's my goal to raise money for ALS TDI and fund research so that we can STOP ALS IN ITS TRACKS and END ALS ONCE AND FOR ALL!