Alisha's Run: Honoring Adam's Resilience

My name is Alisha and I just signed up for my first half marathon in over 15 years, specifically a Disney run. I have wanted to participate in a Disney run for over 7 years, but unfortunately, I didn't have a great support system. Last year, life changed for the better, and I'm focusing on making me a priority. Going into the year 2025, I knew I wanted to rearrange what is important to me. This included making more time for those important in my life, advancing my career, slowing down, and looking at my neglected bucket list. While I am still working on slowing down, I have started on my bucket list and reconnecting with others. This led me to successfully sign up for my first Disney half marathon in October with my childhood friend.

Let me begin by emphasizing that I am not a runner. In fact, I don't enjoy running, but the event has always appealed to me. Perhaps this activity will give me time to clear my head and give my dog a running buddy. When I signed up, I told my friend Adam what I just got myself into. Adam is my childhood friend's little brother who has MS. One day, in his young life, his whole world changed. There's no more running, jumping, or taking off in the car for adventures. His daily life is increasingly more difficult, and he will never be able to revert back to his old ways. This got me thinking, I have the privilege and ability to do this bucket list item. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I had to swap places with Adam. So what am I waiting for? Why am I scared of this race? Of failure? Adam did not allow his condition to sink him, and life really is too short.

So, while I train for the half marathon ending October 26, 2025, I will donate $1 for every mile I run leading up to the event. I will also document my training on my Instagram account @sundayinspire. The journey to the half marathon will not be glamorous, I will definitely do things incorrectly and I am terrified but very excited. Adam is my inspiration as he has not given up and has shown me with some time and a lot of hard work, you can accomplish the unthinkable. If you feel compelled to donate in honor of Adam, please do so here. All money raised will go to the National MS Society for research. Wish me luck.