Hi Friends & Family,

On November 2nd, I’m running back the TCS New York City Marathon — round three! I’ve been so overwhelmed by the support you’ve given me over the years, and this year I’m extra excited because I’ll be joined by friends, family, and coworkers on Team Shoe4Africa.

Since Shoe4Africa opened the very first public children’s hospital in sub-Saharan Africa in 2016, we’ve made incredible progress. But there’s still so much more to do to ensure the long-term success of this 152-bed hospital. That’s why I’ve committed to another 26.2 miles — to keep this mission moving forward.

I’ve been passionate about Shoe4Africa’s work ever since I met founder Toby Tanser shortly after returning from my first trip to Kenya in 2013. At the time, the dream was to build that first public children’s hospital. During my freshman year of college, I had the privilege of helping Toby fundraise to make that vision a reality. Today, the hospital treats more than 400 children every single day, both in-patients and out-patients who otherwise might not have access to care. I most recently visited the hospital in Eldoret over Christmas 2024. Hearing patients’ stories firsthand and seeing the hospital’s impact up close was an unforgettable reminder of why this work matters so deeply.

Now, Shoe4Africa’s focus has shifted to its most urgent project yet: building a Children’s Cancer Hospital. The reality is heartbreaking — in this region, 9 out of 10 children diagnosed with cancer do not survive. Across a population of over 1 billion people, not one dedicated children’s cancer hospital exists. This project is critical, and with your support, it can become a reality. The photo on this page is of Toby and I standing on the grounds where that new hospital will one day stand.

The NYC Marathon is Shoe4Africa’s primary fundraising event, and I’m honored to run again for this cause that means so much to me.

Here’s how you can cheer me on:

Share your favorite pasta restaurants
Send me a pump-up song for my playlist
Join me for a training run (SF & NY friends!)

And if you’re able, please consider donating toward my fundraising goal — it would truly mean the world to me!

Thank you for reading, for cheering me on, and for always being in my corner. I’m endlessly grateful for the best support system out there. Let’s make this year the best one yet!

With love,
Ali