When Elizabeth graduated from college and began her first post-graduate job, she wanted to take on a hobby that would help keep her disciplined. She thought back to memories of her sister, Rebecca, who was a runner, and quite literally "ran" with that idea. She started her training with shorter races, gradually building her stamina to run a full-length marathon. But she wanted to work toward something more than just physical endurance; she wanted to run with a purpose. When she found the application for Team Make-A-Wish to run the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, it felt like the stars aligned. Elizabeth knew she had to do this for her sister. 

Elizabeth’s sister, Rebecca, had battled a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma when she was 16. She received a wish to go on a Mediterranean cruise, a trip their family still reminisces about to this day. One of their favorite memories happened on a bright, sunny day on top of the Acropolis of Athens. Out of nowhere, a rainstorm hit, and a lightning bolt struck a tile right next to their brother. "It was the loudest boom. You felt a vibration through your entire body, and everyone jumped. All of a sudden, you see Rebecca's blue bonnet flying down the hill. I hadn't seen her move like that in years. She was so strong-willed. That is one of my favorite memories with my family, and the only reason I have that memory is because of Make-A-Wish," Elizabeth recalled. 

Though Rebecca passed away about five years ago, her legacy lives on through her sister and the Rebecca Buchanan Brimmage Foundation, which was founded in her memory. The foundation supports three major initiatives that Rebecca was passionate about: helping pediatric cancer patients and their families, especially around the holidays; endowing an annual Make-A-Wish wish for a pediatric cancer patient; and providing a college scholarship for a high school senior who overcame adversity. Elizabeth honors this mission every day as she trains and fundraises in her sister's name. 

“I wouldn’t say I fell in love with running, but I fell in love with the people and the way it makes you feel. It just makes you happy,” Elizabeth shared. She credits Rebecca for inspiring her to start running. Rebecca had run cross-country in high school and continued managing the team even when she became too sick to compete. Elizabeth knows her sister would be proud of her for continuing her legacy, though she admits Rebecca probably wouldn’t have said so outright. Rebecca was a model older sister in the way. “She made you want to push to be better, but I think she'd be really proud of me—though she wouldn't tell me that.” 

Through her training, Elizabeth feels her sister’s strength and presence, especially on the days when her motivation wanes. “She’d probably call me crazy for trying,” Elizabeth joked. But as she runs, she senses Rebecca cheering her on. “I feel her in different ways now that it’s been about five years since she passed. But I feel her through running, and I think when I’m running the marathon, I’ll see her everywhere.” 

For Elizabeth, the marathon isn’t just about finishing a race—it’s about completing something her sister started. "I’m not running to be an inspiration. I’m running to show people how important this organization is. I want to show the impact a wish can make. It's not just about giving something to a child before they pass. Oftentimes, a wish brings so much joy that it gives children the will to keep living." 

As Elizabeth laces up her shoes and prepares to cross the finish line, she knows she’s doing more than running. She’s rallying with Rebecca, carrying her legacy forward for others to see and feel.