Katherine Kitzenberg

About Me

HI! My name is Katie, and I’m running the New York City Marathon with Team ALZ 💜 Honestly, I still can’t believe I just typed that. This opportunity feels like a dream come true for so many reasons.

-By day, I work full time as a Neurology Physician Assistant at Mayo Clinic and also teach as an Instructor of Neurology for PA programs around the country. Every day, I help patients and families navigate complex neurological diseases — and Alzheimer’s disease is one of the hardest. It’s heartbreaking to watch families slowly lose pieces of someone they love, while also witnessing the emotional, physical, and financial toll caregiving can take. More than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to continue rising in the coming decades. Supporting the Alzheimer's Association means supporting research, advocacy, education, caregivers, and — most importantly — hope for better treatments and someday, a cure.

-Outside of medicine, running has quickly become my favorite hobby (obsession??). It’s how I unwind after long days, clear my mind, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with incredible people. Some of my closest friendships have come through running — including one friend who will be running NYC with me this year! I completed my first marathon this past Valentine’s Day, and it was one of the most joyful and empowering experiences of my life. I surprised myself by beating my goal time and discovering how much I’m capable of when I commit to something that scares me.

-And then there’s NYC. New York was my first home away from home after high school, and in many ways, it’s where I learned how to become an adult. It’s the greatest city in the world — the energy, the people, the food, the art… and of course, the Yankees. My dad, another lover of NYC and an even bigger Yankees fan, ran the NYC marathon last year and cheering him on was the highlight of my year. There is truly nothing like it. Getting the chance to run through all five boroughs wearing Team ALZ purple will be one of the greatest honors of my life, and I know I’ll be smiling the entire way.

If you’d like to support my journey to NYC — and, more importantly, support families affected by Alzheimer’s — I would be incredibly grateful for your donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps move us closer to better care, better treatments, and hopefully one day, a cure.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. More updates to come 💜