My Story…
My Decision
I have decided to sign-up and run my 2nd Pittsburgh Marathon (26.2 miles) on May 5th, 2024. I am doing this as part of a charity fundraiser for UPMC Children’s Hospital.
My Reason
My reason is simple: a soccer player on a team that I coach. Cole was diagnosed with Ana Plastic Large Cell Lymphoma on May 30th, 2023, at the age of 7. As a coach, my goal has always been to connect with each player to teach them the game of soccer with the hope that they enjoy it enough to come back for the next season. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Cole for several years now through our community soccer program. Cole and I have always shared a special bond on the soccer field over the years. I was often asked after completing my 1st marathon last year if I would ever do it again. My response was simple, “… if the situation ever presented itself to where I could do it for charity while supporting someone that inspired me.” Cole continues to inspire me in more ways than he will ever know. He was so strong and brave during the 6 months of aggressive treatments and was able to ring the bell on October 19th, 2023. I’ll see you at the finish line, Cole!
How I Became A Runner
My wife, Stefanie Priore, was the runner when we first started dating. I would cheer her on from the finish line and often wondered if this was something I could see myself doing. We started doing 5Ks together and then I thought, "there is no way I could ever do a 10K." I signed up for the Great Race 10K in Pittsburgh and then I thought, "There is no way I could ever do a half marathon." I'd sign up for my 1st half marathon in 2014 and always thought, "there is no way I could ever do a full marathon." Fast forward to 2022, I have completed 13 half marathons and ready to take on this next challenge.
The reason I decided to run half marathons was to show our child(ren) that you can do anything you put your mind to. I will never forget the moment of seeing my oldest son, Greyson, at the finish line of what felt like a never-ending race back in 2014.
During COVID, I had an opportunity to run 2 virtual half marathons from my driveway in Economy, PA, to my work location in Warrendale, PA. What I didn't know was how motivating it was to have a support group behind you as my wife and children were waiting for me at the halfway point - something that would never happen on a big race scale.
... and lastly, "Thank you!"
Thank you if you made it this far in the story. I plan to document my entire journey and invite you to join my Facebook page to follow along with us.
Please consider donating to the cause - I would appreciate it more than you know. If you are unable to donate, I understand as we continue to navigate around this difficult economy.
I also wouldn't be able to do all of this without an amazing support group within my immediate family - my wife, Stefanie, and my sons, Greyson and Wesley. I love you!
Motivational Quote
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift – that’s why it’s called ‘the present.'” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Description
As part of Team Children's, my participation in the 2023 Pittsburgh Marathon supports UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation.
Funds support the patients and families served by UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Last year UPMC Children's Hospital had over 1 million patient visits and many of the programs, initiatives, and resources that make UPMC Children’s so special are funded by philanthropic gifts. Things like distraction therapy which provides patients something else to focus on during their medical procedures, the Child Life Department which provides many activities to create a sense of normalcy for hospitalized children, and the Free Care Fund which covers the cost of medical care for those that cannot afford it. These areas are not covered by insurance, yet are critically important to helping families face the many challenges that accompany a child’s treatment.
Please consider donating to support the patient champions at UPMC Children's! You can donate directly on this page or send a check to the address below and make a note that you are sponsoring my efforts.
UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation
Attention: Pittsburgh Marathon
4401 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 05 | Tyler Azar | $68.16 |
| May 05 | Kara | $27.48 |
| May 05 | Alejandro Sanchez | $54.10 |
| May 04 | Mussie Tesfay | $27.48 |
| May 04 | BJ Whitman | $107.35 |
| May 04 | Petey Szczesniak | $27.48 |
| May 04 | Dave and Zach | $54.10 |
| May 04 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| May 04 | Hills Fam | $32.80 |
| May 04 | Greg Webb | $54.10 |
