I’m running the London Marathon 2025 to fight for lung health!
When people say there is a special bond between a granddaughter and a grandfather, I've never had a chance to experience that bond because my grandfather passed away due to asthma compounded by smoking. That is why I would like to run this marathon with Asthma + Lung in memory of my grandfather. He passed away before I was born and even when my father was still a teenager. My father told me stories about him and how he had taught him to be the person he is now with his grit and resiliency. My father doesn't smoke, and he used to tell me the "what ifs" stories of my grandfather whenever I asked him to tell stories about his father.
I aim to run not only to honor him but also to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the importance of respiratory health. Obviously, back then, smoking was common, and the research on respiratory health and the danger of smoking wasn't as common as it is now, and that's also due to the work of organizations like Asthma + Lung UK that champion lung health and invest in research and information sharing.
My grandfather's struggle with asthma and his challenges to find resources and support to stop smoking and take care of his asthma serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of lung health resources for individuals and families. Through this marathon, I hope to shine a light on the need for greater education, support, and resources to prevent others from experiencing the same fate.
Team Breathe Giving Day!