I am running the New York City Marathon in honor of my friend Jimmy Regan, a true American hero. Rego enlisted in the army to protect all of us, and he was killed in Iraq while defending our freedom during his fourth tour of combat duty. Jimmy and I first bonded at Duke during our team's yearly two mile run tests. Regan could hit the 12 minute goal time without too much hassle, but I struggled mightily. Jimmy would run with me at the track in Durham, lap after lap, helping me get in shape to tackle the run. I learned early on that he was a friend I could count on. One of Jimmy's dreams was to run in the NY Marathon after he left the army, and I always told him I'd run with him someday. In that spirit, I couldn't be more proud to run again this November in his memory.

Lead The Way Fund, Inc. raises funds in support of families of U.S. Army Rangers who have died, have been disabled or who are currently serving in harm's way around the world.