DONATE TO AARON'S MARATHON RUN IN MEMORY OF GAVIN
"This year marks the four-year anniversary of a day that changed my life forever.
In May of 2021, I had so much to be grateful for. I had just graduated college, landed a new job in Columbus, and taken the trip of a lifetime to Costa Rica with my best friends. What looked like the beginning of my best year yet quickly took a heartbreaking turn. Little did I know, that trip would be the last time I saw one of my best friends—Gavin.
On June 27th, 2021, I received the worst phone call of my life. I was in the middle of my usual Sunday chores when my dad called. I assumed it was just his weekly check-in, so I let the first call ring through while I finished something up. But when he called back immediately, I knew something wasn’t right. That was when I learned that Gavin had passed away earlier that morning.
I can’t fully explain what happened to me after that moment. I was overwhelmed by emotions I had never experienced before, and in the days and months that followed, I struggled to feel like myself again. A huge part of me was missing. People talk about the stages of grief, but I don’t think I truly understood them until I lost Gavin. I think part of that came from a naive belief that something so unexpected could never happen to someone I loved.
The time since Gavin’s passing has been filled with ups and downs. Some days are harder than others, but he’s always on my mind. When I finally reached a place of acceptance, I found myself looking at life through a different lens. I started to reflect more deeply on the people I love, and how I could be the best version of myself for them.
As part of my healing, I decided to take on a new personal challenge in Gavin’s memory. In January 2022, I started running. What began as a simple goal—just to run a single mile on the treadmill—has grown into something bigger. These days, I’m chasing new distances, new PRs, and a sense of purpose. Running has become my way of honoring Gavin. I can still hear his voice in my head cheering me on: “C’mon Kos! You got this! Keep going!”—always a little too loud, always full of love. That brings me real joy, knowing he’s still with me, especially during the toughest miles.
This year, on May 18th, I’ll be running the Cleveland Marathon in memory of Gavin. As part of that effort, I’m raising money for the Gavin Gill Scholarship Foundation, which helps raise awareness for those living with Type 1 diabetes and shares Gavin’s story with the world.
I’m incredibly grateful for any donation you or someone you know may be able to give. With your support, we can continue to advocate for those living with Type 1 diabetes and keep spreading Gavin’s electric energy.
Love you, bud.
Aaron
"This year marks the four-year anniversary of a day that changed my life forever.
In May of 2021, I had so much to be grateful for. I had just graduated college, landed a new job in Columbus, and taken the trip of a lifetime to Costa Rica with my best friends. What looked like the beginning of my best year yet quickly took a heartbreaking turn. Little did I know, that trip would be the last time I saw one of my best friends—Gavin.
On June 27th, 2021, I received the worst phone call of my life. I was in the middle of my usual Sunday chores when my dad called. I assumed it was just his weekly check-in, so I let the first call ring through while I finished something up. But when he called back immediately, I knew something wasn’t right. That was when I learned that Gavin had passed away earlier that morning.
I can’t fully explain what happened to me after that moment. I was overwhelmed by emotions I had never experienced before, and in the days and months that followed, I struggled to feel like myself again. A huge part of me was missing. People talk about the stages of grief, but I don’t think I truly understood them until I lost Gavin. I think part of that came from a naive belief that something so unexpected could never happen to someone I loved.
The time since Gavin’s passing has been filled with ups and downs. Some days are harder than others, but he’s always on my mind. When I finally reached a place of acceptance, I found myself looking at life through a different lens. I started to reflect more deeply on the people I love, and how I could be the best version of myself for them.
As part of my healing, I decided to take on a new personal challenge in Gavin’s memory. In January 2022, I started running. What began as a simple goal—just to run a single mile on the treadmill—has grown into something bigger. These days, I’m chasing new distances, new PRs, and a sense of purpose. Running has become my way of honoring Gavin. I can still hear his voice in my head cheering me on: “C’mon Kos! You got this! Keep going!”—always a little too loud, always full of love. That brings me real joy, knowing he’s still with me, especially during the toughest miles.
This year, on May 18th, I’ll be running the Cleveland Marathon in memory of Gavin. As part of that effort, I’m raising money for the Gavin Gill Scholarship Foundation, which helps raise awareness for those living with Type 1 diabetes and shares Gavin’s story with the world.
I’m incredibly grateful for any donation you or someone you know may be able to give. With your support, we can continue to advocate for those living with Type 1 diabetes and keep spreading Gavin’s electric energy.
Love you, bud.
Aaron
"This year marks the four-year anniversary of a day that changed my life forever.
In May of 2021, I had so much to be grateful for. I had just graduated college, landed a new job in Columbus, and taken the trip of a lifetime to Costa Rica with my best friends. What looked like the beginning of my best year yet quickly took a heartbreaking turn. Little did I know, that trip would be the last time I saw one of my best friends—Gavin.
On June 27th, 2021, I received the worst phone call of my life. I was in the middle of my usual Sunday chores when my dad called. I assumed it was just his weekly check-in, so I let the first call ring through while I finished something up. But when he called back immediately, I knew something wasn’t right. That was when I learned that Gavin had passed away earlier that morning.
I can’t fully explain what happened to me after that moment. I was overwhelmed by emotions I had never experienced before, and in the days and months that followed, I struggled to feel like myself again. A huge part of me was missing. People talk about the stages of grief, but I don’t think I truly understood them until I lost Gavin. I think part of that came from a naive belief that something so unexpected could never happen to someone I loved.
The time since Gavin’s passing has been filled with ups and downs. Some days are harder than others, but he’s always on my mind. When I finally reached a place of acceptance, I found myself looking at life through a different lens. I started to reflect more deeply on the people I love, and how I could be the best version of myself for them.
As part of my healing, I decided to take on a new personal challenge in Gavin’s memory. In January 2022, I started running. What began as a simple goal—just to run a single mile on the treadmill—has grown into something bigger. These days, I’m chasing new distances, new PRs, and a sense of purpose. Running has become my way of honoring Gavin. I can still hear his voice in my head cheering me on: “C’mon Kos! You got this! Keep going!”—always a little too loud, always full of love. That brings me real joy, knowing he’s still with me, especially during the toughest miles.
This year, on May 18th, I’ll be running the Cleveland Marathon in memory of Gavin. As part of that effort, I’m raising money for the Gavin Gill Scholarship Foundation, which helps raise awareness for those living with Type 1 diabetes and shares Gavin’s story with the world.
I’m incredibly grateful for any donation you or someone you know may be able to give. With your support, we can continue to advocate for those living with Type 1 diabetes and keep spreading Gavin’s electric energy.
Love you, bud.
Aaron