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An exciting Fourth of July trip in 2005 turned out to be a pivotal point in our lives. On July 4th, my dad, Pawel suffered a stroke. I held him in my arms on the dock of our friends' Shelter Island home helpless and shocked. The next few hours as we traveled from hospital to hospital were a blur. With the sound of fireworks in the distance, our world came crashing down as the doctor told us that my father may never speak again.

Anyone who knew my dad before the stroke knew him as a guy who had a way with words. He was a master at joke telling and often the life of the party. Though this part of his life was brutally taken from him, he continues to persevere. Seven years later he continues to practice speech therapy regularly, now in his new home in Warsaw, Poland.

With seven years in this world of silence, his frustration is understandably becoming more visible. Imagine living in a world where you understand everything around you, but can utter only a few words in return. Despite his frustration he has carried this misfortune with grace and dignity, reminding me to NEVER EVER give up. Throughout his life sports have been a source of happiness. Especially now when the frustration of his speech becomes stronger, his regular athleticism is what keeps him going and makes him happy. Skiing, biking, tennis, ice-skating, and most recently golf have become a lifeline for my dad.

I am not a trained runner, but have dreamed of running the NYC Marathon for years. For me, this is a fight of mind over matter. On November 4th I run for my dad, Pawel, and my mom, Ela, who have shown me how to be strong and persevere at the face of extreme and unexpected adversity. Now, as I train for and eventually run in the NYC Marathon, I will follow their example and REFUSE TO GIVE UP!