A Message from Lindsay:

To put my relationship with Jenny into a few short sentences seems to almost water it down, not do it the justice it deserves. I met Jenny in October 2014, in a newsroom in Western Massachusetts, and from that moment on I would like to say that both of our lives were changed for the better. I like to think that Jenny and I were written into the universe, destined to be best friends through the sticky years of our 20's and beyond. To pick each other up when things got hard in life, and that remains true to this day. Jenny is the friend you can have fun with doing nothing, but also will call you at 11pm on a Tuesday night to let you know, "I found us $17 flights to Miami," knowing that she wasn't asking she was giving you the heads up you were going. No matter where life took us after Springfield, MA, Jenny and I never waivered in our friendship. We'd been through so much together; break-ups, job changes, multiple state moves, a pandemic living on opposite coasts. It didn't matter what life threw at us, we made the most of it all.

In January of 2022, Jenny had a brain stem stroke at just 33 years old. The type of stroke was located in the Pons area of her brain stem, rendering her unable to move or speak. My friend who was the pure definition of enjoying life, was now fighting for hers. Today Jenny continues to make strides in her rehabilitation through hard work and outstanding perseverance. She endures long hours of physical therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, acupuncture, and beyond, every single week to stay steadfast on her road to recovery. For this to happen, fundraising for her round the clock care and therapies is a huge part of the equation. This is what and who I'm running this half marathon in the fall for. I am starting this campaign called #13For13; to help raise funds for my strong, beautiful, dedicated and resilient friend and others like her through the Stroke of Light. Stroke of Light was inspired by Jenny’s journey and founded by her sister, Jessica, whose ongoing commitment is to advocate for Jenny and for others facing similar challenges, and to help ensure access to the care, resources, and support they need. And while I don't have a magic wand to be able to do it all, I do have some sneakers, hope, and an insane appreciation and love for movement that is inspired by my friend Jenny every single day. I hope that you'll support me, as I support my friend, through the Stroke of Light.

Through this campaign my goal is to reach $13,100 by race day on October 10, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut. Every penny counts. Every step I take, is a step toward helping Jenny reach her own finish line and I hope you'll all consider helping her get there.

Thank you all for reading this, and thank you for your support.