Miami, FL Tropical 5K, 1/24/2026
Parkinson’s Foundation
In memory of my mother, Sharon.
The Pre-Race
It’s 5:30 a.m. in Miami, Florida, and I’m here for the Tropical 5K—running in memory of my mother, Sharon, to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease with the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Today, and always, I advocate for those newly diagnosed and for their families—until there is a cure.
Miami showed up as Miami always does: hot, loud, and full of life. Perfect weather. After running RunDisney events in Orlando—where it can be surprisingly cold—I even learned about and bought a heated poncho (yes, those exist!). I woke up in Miami with it… laughed… and ran it straight back to the hotel front desk. No cold here. This is the 305, baby.
I was very early. The bus schedule? Didn’t exist. The hotel staff looked at me like I was in the wrong time zone—maybe even the wrong planet. So, we winged it. Somehow, it all worked out.
Physically, this run was going to be interesting. I injured my other ankle during training on Wednesday. My left ankle is still dealing with ongoing surgeries, and my back—after four failed surgeries—sometimes feels like there’s a piece of furniture lodged inside it. But that doesn’t stop us. It can’t. Awareness matters too much, no matter the obstacles.
So, I waited. And Miami welcomed everyone the only way it knows how—blasting music at head-shaking decibels until the start line came alive.
The Race
I met several inspiring Parkinson’s Foundation Champion Runners—people who instantly felt like family. Familiar faces, shared purpose, instant motivation. Each had their own journey to share.
I arrived at 6:00 a.m. The race began at 7:30 a.m. And then—we were off.
I started strong, but suddenly my left calf became numb and painful. I loosened the support strap, and thankfully the feeling returned. From there on, it was manageable—expected discomfort in my back and ankle, but nothing that would stop me.
The scenery was incredible—cruise ships, vibrant streets, and the Miami Beach ocean stretching out beside us. Spectacular.
Every time my mind whispered slow down or quit, I thought of my mother, Sharon. I thought of everyone fighting Parkinson’s today. I focused on breathing—in through the mouth, out through the nose—until breathing was all I wanted to do. Cheers from the sidelines, drones overhead, cameras capturing moments along the way… and I kept moving.
Then, finally, the finish line.
There is nothing like that feeling. Completing a race for awareness. Making sure my mother is never forgotten because of Parkinson’s. She lives on through every person I meet, every story shared, every step forward.
Thank You
Thank you to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the sponsors, the organizers of the Tropical 5K, and every single person who supported this journey. Your encouragement keeps me going.
I am still grieving—many years later—the loss of my mom to Parkinson’s. Grief doesn’t just disappear. You don’t “move on.” And I won’t stop—not until no one, anywhere in the world, has to battle Parkinson’s disease again.
We miss you.
We love you.
Always, Mom.
I’m already searching for the next 5K journey—stay tuned.
Sharon’s son,
George
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure
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