Think There Are No More Real Heroes? Meet Zoe Koplowitz

I hope you will show this post to someone you love.

This morning, at 9:30 a.m., I had the great good fortune to meet up with Zoe Koplowitz, as she approached mile 24 of her 21st NYC Marathon - on purple day-glo crutches, 27 hours after the start of the race.

She, and a team of Guardian Angels who acompany her as she keeps her pace of approximately one mile per hour, were on course to finish her race in just under 29 hours.

She told me she felt "fine," and we talked about her dog, as Benny - clearly recognizing a great soul - bowed before her (his best trick.) I told her she was a great inspiration to me personally, and, I am certain, to everyone else who knows her story.

Kolpowitz, who lives in Manhattan, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than 30 years ago at age 25. She was not well enough to do last year's marathon, so I was thrilled to see her smiling as she came toward me and Benny.

Here's what Zoe Koplowitz says about the marathon:

• "I am sending a message to everyone that you don't need to win the race to be a winner in life."


• ""The marathon is really only a metaphor for life."


• " "Everybody faces marathons each day whether it be looking after kids, parents or at work - it is about finishing what you have started."

Photo: B.L. Ochman

Zoe is very inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing her story!

I really enjoyed your posting. It is great to see that view on social media. I work with a company that automates all of your social media, and it is so important to know what you are doing out there. Kudos to you!

People like Zoe inspire and show the light to all who think that theirs is the worst story.
Many times people think that they can't but what Zoe said that 'it is about finishing what you have started' is enough to explain that Zoe is a real hero.
How many of us have the stamina to go on for 29 hours? !!
May God bless Zoe and people like her.

Certainly makes my problems seem like an ant hill instead of the mountains I perceive them to be. Thanks BL!

Congratulations on taking part in the marathon Ms Koplowitz...

Thank you for a great message...