I am running with Team ALS to honor my late grandmother Jennifer Crutcher (Nana). My Nana passed in May of 2021 after losing her battle to ALS less than a year after her diagnosis. She was only 69 years old.

Before her passing, my Nana was my closest friend on earth. And I do not say that lightly. My Nana inspired my life’s calling, took me into her home, and quite literally saved my life.

Every Christmas, my gift from Nana (& Pappy!) was a trip to the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, Ohio to see a touring Broadway show. I remember the first time we went, it was to see ‘Annie’. When I saw that little girl just my age, with a dog, a big voice, and bright red hair, I thought to myself “She is just like me. I want to be just like her”

(Note: my auburn red hair genetics are thanks too my Nana and Mimi)

If you know me now, you know that Musical Theatre will always be my life calling whether I am on stage, behind the scenes, or supporting the community, which happens to be filled with my best friends.

(Henry, Chelsea, Abby, Dani, Olivia, Emma and the rest of my BUMT family: She would have really, really adored you guys. It breaks my heart she never knew you.)

My Nana saved my life. I unfortunately struggled with deep depression and anxiety at the peak of my relationship with her. High School did not treat me as kindly as some others. I struggled with body image, developing some pretty fast and extremely unhealthy weight loss. I was in and out of Doctors offices for my vocal health (despite my training and care), resulting in surgery on my right vocal cord. I was abandoned by a relationship that I deeply valued and struggle not to mourn even to this day. And through it all, I lost my faith in Jesus. How could a God who loved me let all of these things happen to me?

Nobody could reach me- Despite my parents, sisters, and friends efforts, I was done with religion.

When I found out about Nana’s diagnosis, I dropped out of college to spend time with her while I still could. When we were together, we talked about God a lot. But not like I was used to. Nana told me that sometimes we don’t understand God. Sometimes we are MAD at God. But He is Good nonetheless. She told me about a loving God. Not a judgmental God. She listened to my concerns and instead of telling me I was wrong, she told me that God understood everything that I was feeling. He was not upset with me. He was mourning with me. My struggles seem so small compared to what she was going though, but she never made it about her. Before she died, she made me promise that when I went to Belmont, I would find a ministry to join. She knew God could only reach me through the lens of grace, not condemnation. God knew that the people to teach me about grace would be the women of Delight Ministries.

I am free in Jesus Christ today because of that promise my Nana asked of me.

Something really special about this marathon, is the fact that my college roommate and best friend Grace Wiles is running it beside me. While Nana and Grace never got the chance to meet, it feels like they did. Grace listens to me remember her. She has sat with me when I cry for her. She will remind me of her nearness. I am so honored by her commitment to raise money for ALS and run 26.2 too. Her fundraising page is linked here: https://secure.als-ny.org/goto/GraceWiles

If you would like to sponsor a specific mile for a video from me during that mile (ex. $10 Mile 1, $100 Mile 10, $260 Mile 26) Please specify in your donation.

Any amount helps and is so greatly appreciated. I would love to be able to give above and beyond my goal.

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive disease of the nervous system that affects cells in the brain and spinal cord. Presently, there is no known cure for ALS.

• Every ninety minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease, and someone passes away from it.
• 90% of ALS cases occur without any known family history or genetic cause. The remaining 10% of ALS cases are inherited through a mutated gene with a known connection to the disease.
• 55 is the average age of onset with most people who develop ALS between the ages of 40 and 70. However, cases of the disease do occur in people in their twenties and thirties.
• ALS is 20% more common in men than women. However, with increasing age, the incidence of ALS is more equal between men and women.
• Military veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease than the general public for yet unknown reasons.

I joined Team ALS to push my physical limits for those who can't anymore. I want to bring hope, raise awareness and make an impact - and you can help me! Please donate, because -

Together, We End ALS!