I’m proud to be running the NYC Marathon this year with Undue Medical Debt. Undue pays off individuals’ medical debt, removing a huge burden faced by millions of Americans.

Earlier this year, I was on a plane that crashed when landing at LaGuardia Airport. I feel tremendously lucky to have walked away from the accident and still be running. I also feel very lucky to have health insurance and savings to cover the associated medical costs. Over 40% of Americans don’t have the savings to afford a $1k ER visit — I feel privileged that I did. Even with insurance, I’ve faced out of pocket costs that would be financially destructive for many New Yorkers.

This will be my first marathon; after eight half marathons, I’m ready for a full! I’ve lived in Brooklyn half my life and I’ve wanted to run the NYC Marathon for years. The accident pushed me to run it now (life is short) and specifically to run with Undue. Being able to pay for medical care shouldn’t be a matter of privilege or luck. Nobody should have to choose between financial stability and medical care.

Since Undue buys debt at a steep discount, they can erase $100 of debt with a $1 donation. You can cover someone’s $5,000 ER visit with just $50. Anything helps!