Dear Friends/Family,
We are running the marathon to celebrate a new chapter in our lives and the power to control our health.
Talia:
I am running the New York City Marathon because I finally can. Being able to run the marathon is a dream that I never imagined could be possible. Since 10th grade of high school, I have lived a life filled with illness and uncertainty. I was diagnosed with POTS syndrome, which caused me to pass out when I stood. I was sick so often that I had to be home-instructed in 11th grade for safety. I got through each week by cherishing the days that I felt healthy enough to go to a softball practice or a game. Being able to exercise was a privilege, and my body never let me forget that.
Near the end of my senior year I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer and Graves disease. I felt certain that my body would never allow me to experience life in the way that I wanted. I had surgery to remove my thyroid that spring and radioactive iodine treatment that summer. I began Barnard College feeling exhausted. After a year of college and a difficult recovery, I now know how to honor my journey. I genuinely believe that the past 4 years have given me the gift of cherishing life.
It’s time for me to begin my new life-one of health, love, and happiness. I’m not running this marathon just for me; I’m running it because I know how it feels to be betrayed by my own body, and I know how it feels to make it to the other side of that. I am running the marathon because it is the perfect way to thank life for the endless opportunities it is providing for me. I am running with my incredible father who has been alongside me through everything. I can’t wait to cross the finish line with him. My new journey begins with the New York City Marathon.
Warren:
I began running in August 2014 after a significant 2 week hospitalization with pneumonia, requiring surgery. I ultimately recovered. I set many life goals with the major one being to complete a full marathon by age 50. Within the next 20 months I completed 3 half marathons, 5 and 10k’s, and my first full NYC Marathon in 2015. I haven’t stopped since and my continued message to family, friends and clients about longevity, vitality & wellness has been consistent, inspiring them to make lifestyle changes as well. Talia is the biggest inspiration in my life and together we are running for Team for Kids, an extraordinary charity.
I hope you will join us to further this great cause and help us reach our goal! Any size donation would mean the world to us. Please also come out and cheer us on!
**UPDATE**
We are happy to announce that we have reached our original goal and are now setting our sights on helping more kids in need.
Here are some examples of what your donations accomplish:
$100- Offers 10 youth a Cross Country Race Experience
$262.50- Helps provide 10 youth with access to an entire year of running through the Rising New York Road Runners Program
Our big fundraising goal with Team For Kids is to hit $10,000. and Provide scholarships for 20 youth to attend summer camp. Our life changing experience with completing the marathon and to be able to convert that to changing the lives of 20 kids is a mission we can all be proud of.
We are honored and touched by your shared commitment to us and Team for Kids. Thank you! If you would like to be a part of our Team and journey please join us in support of Team for Kids. Any amount is truly appreciated.
With love and gratitude
Talia and Warren
About Team for Kids:
Team for Kids is a team of adult runners who raise funds for critical services provided by New York Road Runners Youth Programs. These programs empower youth development and encourage healthy habits via running and character-building programs in low-income schools and community centers in New York City and across the country.
Making a donation is easy! You can click on the Donate button on this page to give through my secure fundraising site. You can also find information there about where to write a check, or how to get your company to match your gift! All contributions are tax-deductible.
Your giving helps New York Road Runners Youth Programs to:
- Serve more than 215,000 students locally and nationally through free NYRR youth running programs, events, and resources, including more than 120,000 in New York City’s five boroughs.
- Engage students in long-term athlete development (LTAD), a lifelong journey that guides an individual's experience in sports and physical activity to develop healthy minds and bodies for life.
- Help build the next generation of athletes by supporting coaches, educators, and fitness leaders with the tools they need to make a difference.
Whether you are a runner, have worked with children, or have kids yourself, I hope you will join me to further this great cause!
See you at the finish line!