My little brother was killed one year ago this past Friday while serving in Afghanistan with the Marines. He was only 20 and my best friend.

I’ve been struggling for this year over what has happened and have been trying to find a way for me to honor his life. Nothing seems to be enough, no matter what I think of. What did stand out however was running a marathon.

It has always been something I’ve wanted to do “some day” but the distance and difficulty has always kept me away. Not anymore, I’ll be running the Chicago Marathon in October for Matt. I am going to be running for a charity (yet to be determined) that supports a cause Matt cared about. Probably something related to helping children overseas since he was very touched by them during his short time over there. He never asked for things for himself when care packages were sent – just jolly ranchers and pens for them to give to the children.

I am going to run this marathon not because I want to, but because I have to. For you Matt.