My Story…
This May, I’ll be running my first half marathon at the Pittsburgh Marathon, and I’m not just showing up to finish. I’m showing up to compete, to push my limits, and to represent something bigger than myself.
I’m proud to be raising money for the Mario Lemieux Foundation an organization that has made a direct impact on both my community and my career. I work at Allegheny General Hospital in the EP Lab, now known as the Mario Lemieux Center for Heart Rhythm Care after a generous donation from the foundation in May 2024. I see firsthand how philanthropy turns into real patient care, advanced technology, and second chances for the people we serve.
That makes this race personal.
I’m from Union Township in New Castle Pa, a community that taught me the value of hard work and earning everything you get. Those values are what I’m bringing to the starting line.
This is my first half marathon, and I’m not treating it like a bucket list item. I’m treating it like a competition with myself and the course. The early mornings, long runs, and mental battles are part of the process. Growth requires discomfort, and results require commitment.
If I’m going to push my limits, I want it to mean something.
Your support helps fund critical care and resources for patients and families facing battles far greater than 13.1 miles. On race day, I’ll run with purpose not just to finish, but to perform knowing every mile represents the work being done in our hospital and in our community.
Thank you for supporting me, supporting our community, and supporting a foundation that truly makes an impact.
Description
Please donate to help me raise money for the Mario Lemieux Foundation as part of the 2026 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Run for a Reason program!
Since their founding in 1993, the Mario Lemieux Foundation has been focused on finding a cure for cancer by funding research and patient care, and supporting families in challenging medical situations. Through ongoing projects at the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, the Mario Lemieux Lymphoma Center, the Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center, and the recently established Mario Lemieux Center for Heart Rhythm Care, we support research that translates to clinical trails and innovative therapies that save lives.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 19 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Mar 12 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Mar 11 | MaryJo Verardi | $54.10 |
| Mar 10 | Million | $54.10 |
| Mar 09 | Auntie B. | $54.10 |
| Mar 08 | Bella Verardi | $27.48 |
| Mar 07 | Anonymous | $27.48 |
| Mar 06 | Jonathan | $27.48 |
| Mar 06 | Aaron and Nicole Kyluck | Undisclosed amount |
| Mar 05 | Aunt Heather & Uncle John | $27.48 |