Since moving to New York in November 2013 I’ve had amazing life experiences, some good and some bad. What I have learned is that life is precious and that’s why I am running the Brooklyn half-marathon to raise funds for the Rory Staunton Foundation, a sepsis awareness charity.

While I have been running for a number of years, it’s usually to escape into my own little world with my iPod. This year, however, I signed up to run the Brooklyn Half-Marathon. While I was excited about taking part in such an iconic race in New York, it dawned on me that this was my opportunity to give something back to a city that has given me a lot, in particular my start as a journalist with IrishCentral and the Irish Voice.

I have chosen to run the half-marathon for the Rory Staunton Foundation for two reasons. First, before I moved here I didn’t really understand the background to sepsis and how dangerous it can be, and I want to aid the effort to help inform more people of the danger sepsis represents. Second, while I never had the opportunity to meet Rory Staunton, his family has been a huge influence in the initial phases of my career and life. This is something that everyone needs in life – someone to take a chance and trust in their character.

Rory tragically died before he had the opportunity to experience the highs and lows of a college life or whatever path he may have chosen so I intend to run the Brooklyn-Half with the carefree spirit of remembering what it was like to be a 12-year-old.

Through this charity fundraiser I will hopefully spread awareness of sepsis and raise funds needed in the battle againist this disease. Sepsis, a form of inflammation caused by severe infection, can happen to anyone and is the leading pediatric killer worldwide. In April 2012 Rory Staunton (12) became sick after cutting himself while playing basketball. Within days he had passed away from his undiagnosed sepsis.

Since Rory's tragic, untimely death his parents, Ciaran and Orlaith Staunton, have worked tirelessly to raise public awareness about this killer inflammation, which kills 550 people every day in the United States alone and affects at least 750,000 people every year.

This year I am asking IrishCentral readers to support my charity page and give what they can to support my endeavor to raise awareness. Even if it’s just one dollar then this will go a long way to helping this Foundation fulfill its mission.

To support Rory Staunton Foundation follow the link and click ‘Donate’ and help play your part in raising awareness.