2025 was an incredibly difficult year. For months, my family and I were in and out of hospitals with my father. He spent his final two months in the ICU, and we all stepped away from work to be by his side. He passed over the summer, and much of this year has been spent navigating grief and trying to find my way back to myself.
Before his health declined, one of his greatest joys was biking to Coney Island for a Nathan’s hot dog. Coney holds a special place in my heart as well. It’s where I had my very first internship at the New York Aquarium, working in their animal lab. It feels fitting that this neighborhood he loved, and that played a part in shaping me, is the one I am supporting.
I’m taking the plunge this New Year’s Day in his honor, to uplift the local Coney Island community, and to mark the end of 2025 with a literal and symbolic shock to my system - a reset I deeply need.
If you’re able, please consider supporting my fundraising goal. No donation is too small. Together, we can help usher in a brighter, more hopeful 2026.
