My name is Jude and I am a Palestinian-American living in Cleveland, OH. This is my first time being part of Team Palestine at the Cleveland Marathon and I am super excited to run and fundraise with this team. This also happens to be my first official race, so I am looking forward to this experience immensely. Having said that, what makes this experience special is the cause: the PCRF. Witnessing the genocide in Gaza the past 6 months has been a cycle of heartbreak, rejuvenation, and more heartbreak: heartbreak at all the loss and rejuvenation at the steadfastness and joy of Palestinian resistance and persistence. The destruction is insurmountable, the loss of life is unimaginable, and just thinking about the lives that have been changed forever (whether that be through a devastating injury, becoming an orphan, or forced displacement) leaves one feeling helpless. Truly, the only things keeping me going at this point are my faith, the belief that justice will prevail, and the work organizations like the PCRF and Heal Palestine are doing. The situation is far worse than we know based on news outlets and social media, and as paralyzing as that can be, there are still many Palestinian lives that need our active help. This is my effort in remembering and honoring that. I ask that you do too. Thank you in advance.