My Story

I am honored to have been selected as the first international member to run the TCS London Marathon 2026 with Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK)! This organization works to improve the lives of those affected by Scleroderma and Raynaud’s. Running with SRUK to support the work they do is immensely important to me. My mom Liz Houston lost her 5 year battle with Scleroderma in 2009 at just 44 years of age. No one should have to suffer the cruelties of this disease. SRUK is working towards a future where we can diagnose earlier, improve management of symptoms and hopefully one day, find a cure!

Scleroderma took hold of my mom and our family so quickly. I remember my mom’s skin beginning to harden, limiting her mobility and independence. It was critical I passed my driving test at 16 on the first try so I could help run errands and pick up my little sister at school when mom couldn’t drive anymore. My younger brother learned to help her get in a wheelchair, and my little sister became a pro at helping her get dressed each morning before school. Dad did it all, down to helping mom eat her favorite meals as the movement to simply curl her fingers around a fork became impossible. We learned and adapted, but could never truly be prepared for how Scleroderma would change our lives. 
In one conversation with me, mom expressed wanting us to throw her a big birthday party because she feared not being here for a 45th or 50th celebration. I was annoyed with her for thinking that way! I could not imagine a world where my mom wouldn’t be by my side at college graduation, watching my younger brother’s senior high school basketball season, or to see my little sister one day walk down the aisle in a wedding dress. I have often looked back on that conversation with regret and anger, then laced up my sneakers to run.

My inability to understand then, the reality before us, has long been something I struggled with. She was in incredible pain every day of her 5 year battle, but hid it so well, you would never know it's full depth. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for her to get up every morning, allowing her kids and husband to help her get dressed and into a wheelchair. We still laughed together at trying to push her chair up an icy ramp in winter. And she was always the first person I went to with tears in my eyes knowing she had the advice I trusted and needed. She still always gave the best hugs and had a designated spot on the court for all of my brother’s home basketball games. She was always the best mom, Scleroderma be damned.

This disease handed her immense physical pain, emotional anguish and fear. It robbed her of ever getting to meet and hold her grandchildren or celebrate 50 years of marriage with her best friend. No one is stronger than my mom, and I never guessed I wouldn’t have tomorrow to tell her that. Over the years, I have turned to running and exercise as my outlet and my peace. I run when I am angry I can’t go to her. I run because I won't take for granted the ability to move. And when my feet ache and my lungs burn, I remember my pain is nothing compared to what she experienced, and I can give more.

Marathons have become important to me for many reasons, but running this one, in this city, for this foundation is truly a dream. I am so proud to run with SRUK. Although my mom won’t ever benefit from research today, there is hope we can help others when they hear the words, “You have Scleroderma.” Please help me to raise funds with SRUK so that we can learn more about managing and one day treating this terrible disease. Donate on behalf of my mom and the other moms like her that are still fighting with a smile.

This run is for you mom. I love you too.