She was waiting to die from multiple sclerosis when she nearly choked to death on a vitamin pill. At that time Zoe Koplowitz became determined to make something of the years she had left and vowed to run in the New York City Marathon.

In the fall of 1993 she completed her sixth NYC Marathon in her familiar spandex uniform, her turtle cap and two crutches she named "Spot" and "Rover." She was accompanied by the Guardian Angels to ensure her safety as she worked her way through Harlem during the early morning hours. It took Zoe 27 Hours and 45 minutes to push her stricken body through 26 miles to cross the the finish line. But when she did, one of the world's fastest women, Greta Weitz, and hundreds of admiring fans were there to greet her. In addition to her dream of participating in marathons, Zoe has another dream--to help find the cure for multiple sclerosis, which robs her of more and more physical functions each year.

By the end of 2000, Zoe had completed 13 consecutive New York City Marathons, an unbelievable feat. Zoe has been the captain of the Marathon Strides team since 1996. This team raises funds for MS research and programs that help over 300,000 people with MS and their families. The Marathon Strides team has raised over $2 million so far. In April 2000, Zoe continued her 12-year-tradition as ambassador for the MS Society's annual MS Walk, an important fundraiser for the fight against MS. 

Zoe broke a 102-year-old record on April 21, 1998 when she was the first person with her level of disability to complete the elite runner's Boston Marathon Course. She was able to complete the course on crutches in 30.5 hours. In April 1999, Zoe was allowed to participate in the British Marathon, thus ending a century-old tradition in London. After leaving London, her effort caused the London press to comment, "Even in her parting, Zoe gave something back to this city and its people." She plans to participate in this marathon in the future.

Zoe's life story is included in the movie Courage, based upon the book by Mike Celizic. She has also written a book, Winning Spirit: Life Lessons Learned in Last Place (1997), about life lessons learned on the road. The book has received outstanding reviews and is the winner of the Reader's Choice Award at a Barnes & Noble competition: "Books for a Better Life." Zoe has been selected as the 2001 recipient of the L'eggs Honors Women Who Shape Our World Award. As a part of this program, L'eggs launched a public service announcement campaign and a point-of-purchase display featuring Zoe's many accomplishments, which will be ties into the Society's 2001 MS Walk. In addition, the award included a $50,000 donation in support of the MS Society's mission to fight MS.

In accomplishing her unbelievable feats, she has captured the heart and imagination of everyone who is, or feels himself to be, an underdog.