On April 15, 2016, I traveled to Niagara Falls, Canada, to compete in the Stair Climb for Children’s Cancer hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society. Prior to the event, I learned about a long-standing course record set 32 years earlier by the late Canadian Olympic cyclist Gord Singleton. Fueled by my competitive nature and passion for pushing limits, I gave everything I had during the climb and crossed the finish line with a new course record of 3 minutes and 21 seconds (3:21).
 

Following the event, I had the opportunity to meet Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, who informed me that I would be presented with the Key to thOn April 15, 2016, I traveled to Niagara Falls, Canada, to compete in the Stair Climb for Children’s Cancer hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society. Prior to the event, I learned about a long-standing course record set 32 years earlier by the late Canadian Olympic cyclist Gord Singleton. Fueled by my competitive nature and passion for pushing limits, I gave everything I had during the climb and crossed the finish line with a new course record of 3 minutes and 21 seconds (3:21).​ Following the event, I had the opportunity to meet Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, who informed me that I would be presented with the Key to the City if I returned the following year.

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One year later, on April 22, 2017, I returned to Niagara Falls and broke my own record, finishing in just 3 minutes and 2 seconds (3:02). In recognition of breaking the 32-year course record in 2016 and resetting it again in 2017, I was officially presented with the Key to the City by Mayor Jim Diodati.

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When I first started competing in stair climbing, receiving an honor like this was never the goal. I’ve always been driven by my competitive spirit, my desire to challenge myself, and my passion for helping others through the events I compete in. But this experience reminded me that when you follow your passion, stay disciplined, and remain true to yourself, opportunities and recognition often arrive when you least expect them.

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I firmly believe that what’s meant for you will always find its way to you. My advice to others is simple: stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. As Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” e City if I returned the following year. One year later, on April 22, 2017, I returned to Niagara Falls and broke my own record, finishing in just 3 minutes and 2 seconds (3:02). In recognition of breaking the 32-year course record in 2016 and resetting it again in 2017, I was officially presented with the Key to the City by Mayor Jim Diodati.

When I first started competing in stair climbing, receiving an honor like this was never the goal. I’ve always been driven by my competitive spirit, my desire to challenge myself, and my passion for helping others through the events I compete in. But this experience reminded me that when you follow your passion, stay disciplined, and remain true to yourself, opportunities and recognition often arrive when you least expect them.

I firmly believe that what’s meant for you will always find its way to you. My advice to others is simple: stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. As Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”