runDisney Charity Spotlight: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

I remember the day like it was yesterday: April 20, 2024. I was sitting outside EPCOT, watching runner after runner cross the finish line at the runDisney Springtime Surprise 10K. The music was pumping. The energy was inspirational. It felt magical — like just being there made me part of a community achievement.

That morning, I kept glancing down at my phone, tracking my wife as she neared the finish line of her very first 10K. I raced over to cheer her on as she rounded the final corner, months of hard work and training culminating in this single moment. When we locked eyes, she ran over, and we held hands for just a few steps. Tears welled in my eyes as pride overcame me — not only for her, but for everyone who had accomplished something so meaningful.

I sprinted to the finish line — probably the fastest I’ve run since childhood, if I’m being honest — just so I could cheer her across. Hugging her afterward was one of the proudest moments of my life, watching someone I love push themselves, grow, and accomplish something so difficult.

At that time, though, my own fitness wasn’t a priority. Honestly, it hadn’t been for a long time. I was happy to cheer others on, but it felt like something I could never actually do myself. Running a race seemed cool, even inspiring, but it also felt distant, like an aspirational goal meant for other people. For me, the idea of getting healthy was this huge mountain I didn’t even want to try climbing.

Then came March 15, 2025. At 8:50 a.m. (yes, I remember the exact time!), my wife woke me up with a look I’ll never forget. Her first words to me that morning confirmed it: She was pregnant. I was going to be a dad!

I’d like to say everything changed instantly, but, honestly, it didn’t.

It took me nearly two months — until early May — to realize I had to make real changes. My existing lifestyle wasn’t sustainable long-term. I wanted to be there for my future child. To play catch like I did with my dad. To walk around the Walt Disney World parks all day with them and have the stamina to do it again the next. At that point, I was the heaviest I had ever been. And I knew I needed to do something.

So, I started small. I began using a walking pad and clocked 60-90 minutes a day while working from home. I started eating healthier. Over time, those small steps turned into jogging and even playing pickleball. By early September, I was down more than 60 pounds. I’d even ordered my first pair of running shoes!

Then, in late July, I got a can’t-miss opportunity: the chance to run in this year’s runDisney Wine & Dine 5K in support of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

On one level, it feels like a full-circle moment. If you had told me that cool spring morning at the Springtime Surprise 10K that I’d be running a 5K in 2025, I would have laughed. Back then, even 3.1 miles felt impossible.

But more crucially, running in this year’s Wine & Dine 5K allows me to shine a light on a cause that’s deeply personal: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Back in 2022, my wife joined their team as a Multimedia Specialist, and through her, I’ve gotten to see the impact this organization has on our community. Watching her capture stories of hope and resilience has been inspiring, but what’s even more powerful is the passion she brings to their mission of making Central Florida a better place for everyone.

The truth is, hunger is closer than most of us realize. Food insecurity isn’t something people choose — it can happen suddenly, to anyone, for any reason: a lost job, a medical bill, an unexpected life change. Right here in Central Florida, 1 in 7 people face food insecurity. That means classmates, coworkers and families in our neighborhoods are quietly struggling, often without a voice to share their story.

That’s why the work of Second Harvest is so important. They not only provide meals, they give dignity and hope to people who might otherwise go unseen. And even small acts of support can have a big impact. Just $10 helps provide 40 meals to people in need. I’m so proud to run this race for them, and to play a small role in raising awareness for an organization that amplifies the voices — and meets the needs — of thousands of families across our community every single day.

So, as I prepare for my first-ever runDisney race on Oct. 24, 2025, I’m more motivated than ever. I’m doing this 5K for Central Florida. I’m doing this 5K for my wife. I’m doing this 5K for my future child. But I’m also doing this 5K for me.

And this is only the beginning. See you out on the course!