Woman with Rheumatoid Arthritis Runs NYC Half Marathon to Inspire Family

Maya's Running Journey

• 🏃‍♀️ Maya started running in 2008 to honor her father, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
• 💡 She found a sense of pride and connection by participating in charity runs, calling her parents to share her experiences.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

• 💔 After her father passed away in 2012, Maya also got married, started business school, and received her own diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
• 🧠 Despite these life events, she found running to be a constant source of trust and a way to keep moving forward.
• ✅ She committed to maintaining her active lifestyle, refusing to give up on her passion for running.

Running Achievements and Community

• 🏅 Over two decades, Maya estimates she has completed 13 full marathons and over 80 half marathons.
• 🤝 She credits her family and the running community, particularly the New York Road Runners Group Training, for her continued motivation.
• ⛰️ Running a marathon is described as seeing the next step on a staircase, becoming an integrated part of her lifestyle.

Inspiring the Next Generation

• 🌱 Maya hopes her running journey will inspire her children.
• 👦 Her son will be participating in the kids' race at the upcoming NYC Half Marathon.
• 🌉 Maya is excited to run the NYC Half Marathon for the first time, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Her husband and two children will be in Times Square to support her and her son.