Woman inspiring others by running NYC Half Marathon despite health condition

CORTLAND MANOR (WABC) -- A woman from Cortland Manor has become an inspiration to children by balancing work, her family and health challenges all while training for the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon.

Meghan Walsh, 32, is a working mother with two children under the age of 5, and she also has cerebral palsy.

"It's a milder case, but it still does impact my everyday life," Walsh said.

She began running a year ago by starting with a couch-to-5k running program. This year, she's been in 12 races while battling pain, a tough family schedule and crazy weather.

Walsh believes she has to run to stay healthy and be an example for her children.

This weekend, Walsh is running in the NYC Half for the New York Road Runner's Team for Kids, a team that raises money for the NYRR Youth and Community Service program. The funds they raise help provide free or low-cost fitness programs to children.

Walsh applied to add it to the after school program she works at.

While running and raising money for others has sweetened the deal, Walsh said she's enjoyed getting ready for the 13.1 mile race.

"It's the consistency, the feeling of accomplishment and no better feeling than breaking a sweat," she said. "I love the feeling."

While it hasn't been easy, Walsh said she doesn't plan on stopping.

"As long as my body lets me do it, I'll keep on going," she said.