NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon 2025

On April 27, 2025, I will be running the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon to raise funds for the Korean K9 Rescue (KK9R), an organization that is close to my heart.

My passion for animal welfare has been deeply rooted in my upbringing, and I am forever grateful to my family for opening my eyes to the harsh realities many animals face, especially in South Korea. Growing up, I fell in love with every animal I encountered—whether it was a stray cat on the streets or a horse spotted during a long car ride. At 12, I visited my first animal shelter in my hometown and told myself, "when I grow up, I want to save all of the dogs here." While I haven't achieved that goal yet, at 25, I’m proud to say I’m a few steps closer.

A year ago, I adopted my dog, Butter, from KK9R. Watching him transform from a timid, traumatized puppy into the happy, energetic dog he is today has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Butter symbolizes the progress I've made toward my childhood dream, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role KK9R played in our journey. I'm also proud to share that I have since been a KK9R volunteer and foster, an experience that has been nothing short of rewarding, and wish to continue to be a part of as many dogs' journeys as I can.

Sadly, in 2024, KK9R lost a dear friend, Samantha Jacoff, whose passion and dedication to the rescue community left a lasting impact. Although I didn’t have the chance to know Samantha personally, her work in connecting homeless and mistreated dogs in South Korea to loving homes in the U.S. is something I deeply admire.

Since its founding, KK9R has placed over 3,500 dogs in adoptive homes across the tri-state area, and the organization continues to grow, providing life-changing opportunities for these animals.

I’m asking for your support as I run this marathon for a cause that means so much to me. Your donation will directly benefit KK9R’s mission, helping more dogs find their forever homes and making a lasting impact on their lives.

Thank you for your generosity and for supporting this cause that’s so close to my heart. Every contribution makes a difference.