This November I will embark on one of the most challenging endeavors of my life. I will be attempting to run the NYC Marathon. Everything about this endeavor is uncomfortable to me, I’ve never run a marathon before and quite frankly the distance of 26.2 miles scares me. The fact that I’ll be doing this among 33,000 other runners may comfort some, but for me the crowds and herds of people is terrifying.
This marathon is going to be run on pure inspiration from Ava Jean and support of those that I love. Ava Jean has taught me about bravery, perseverance and endurance, all of which I’ll need to get through this run. Doctors have told Darren and I that what Ava Jean is going to go through will seem like a marathon, since she will have years of MRI’s, CT Scans, blood draws, doctors’ appointments and of course surgeries. Ava Jean over the last 6 years and thorough it all has always managed to get up, brush herself off and move on. If she can take on her marathon with such bravery, surely I can do the same in her honor. Darren has also been very encouraging for me, when the opportunity was presented he said “Do it, don’t defer and don’t wait.” As he has said it’s an opportunity of a lifetime to accomplish what feels like an impossible feat and pay it forward to a wonderful charity. Through his marathons I know that the one he cherishes the most is Boston, it was his 1st but he also devoted himself to give back to an organization that did so much for others.
I’m going to run because kids with cancer can’t. I’m going to run because I want to give back to people and to a charity that has helped us. I’m going to run because if Ava Jean can go through another procedure I can definitely run for her.
I have always taught my girls to challenge themselves, go the extra mile. Ava Jean has showed us that is what she is always up to that challenge is her everyday medical battle and I’ve learned through her how to accept this Challenge. New York City here I come!!!
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Fundraising Goal: $3000
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Amount Raised: $6351.2
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Current Race: 2020 TCS NYC Marathon
Comments:
Heather Hallinan says
Go get it Gina- you got this!!!
Joanne Palmer says
Superwoman!!!!
The Gambardella says
We are SO proud of you Gina !
The Byrnes Family says
Whooo-hooo! So proud of you, Gina! We’re Cranio Warriors and when the going gets tough, well, we raise money and run!
Eileen DePaoli says
Go Gina!!!
Jenn Bianco says
Good luck !! ?
Jenn Bianco says
Good Luck ?!!
Sean Hillery says
Good luck Gina. From the Hillery family ❤
Patrick & Anne D’Onofrio says
Looking forward to seeing you both doing a marathon!
Patrick & Anne D’Onofrio says
Amazing way to give back.
Angelo Questo says
Love you Gina. So very proud of you.
Maria DiBenedetto says
We are proud of you…you have our support go girl!! xoxoxo Mom & Dad
Borneman Family says
Amazing goal!
Tara Perez says
You are a true gift to everyone!
Love, Tara Perez
Jennifer Lazzaro says
Way to go Gina!! What an awesome cause to run for. Great job mama!!
Michael Droege says
From our family to yours, your an inspiration to all! ❤️❤️❤️
Barbara Pagnotta says
You go girl – so proud of you
Kimberly Brewer says
Go Gina!! We are proud of you!
Laura Scampoli says
Go Gina Go! So awesome that you are doing this.
Chris Delamonico says
Way to go Gina!!
Clan Mulcahy says
Go Gina. I admire your strength. Thanks for being there for me.
Cindy Battreall says
So proud of you… great determination! You go girl!!!
Coleen O’Reilly says
Gina, you’re a ROCKSTAR! Good Luck! ☘️
Jesse Merritt says
Way to go! What a great cause! Good luck from the Merritt family!
Lorraine Calebrese says
Run Gina Run!! Good luck. Wish i could do more
Priscilla Danese says
You’ll do great, Gina!! I admire you!?
George Pagnotta says
I know you can do it!! I am so very proud !! Good luck !! God Bless
Love , Dad
Kevin and Marian Heinzinger says
Go Gina, go Gina go Gina GO! you’re the best
Barbara Iannuccilli says
Good luck Gina and thank you for running for such an important cause. May we see a cure for all cancers in our lifetime. I am a 2 time survivor and pray each day for a cure. My son is a cancer survivor also. I have 5 friends all fighting to get in remission from their cancers.
Rob Yerger says
Go Gina!!
Jessica FitzGerald says
Run Gina Run!!! You are amazing, and will do awesome! We love you xoxo
Dina Bruno says
You go Cuz!! ♥️
Michele Pagnotta says
Way to go Gina! You are amazing and an inspiration! Love you❤
Maggie McGourty says
May the wind be at your back and the luck of the Irish carry you thru to the pot of gold at the finish line ????
Maureen Patterson says
Congratulations on a job well done! You are an amazing mom and such an awesome, beautiful and loving role model for your two sweet little girls❣️❣️
Much love, Maureen
Donna and Ed Colello says
Congratulations on a job well done! We knew with your determination and strength you would do great things and you have! God Bless
Dina Murphy says
Amazing. Good luck – you got this!!!
Joanne Palmer says
You got this!!!!
Paula & Angelo Questo says
Uncle Angelo and I admire your determination and commitment. You are amazing. We are so proud of you and Ava Jean! ❤️🏃❤️
Noreen Nicodemo says
You can do it!💪
Deirdre Pino says
Go get em! 💙
Dale Beverly Beverly says
Glad to help. Best of luck with the race!
Millie Newton says
Enjoy the race! Will be cheering you on from North Carolina!
Mary Cassidy says
Go Gina!
maria dibenedetto says
Gina our thoughts and good wishes for a good run…Gina you can do it!! xoxoxo Mom & Dad
Jennifer Weaver says
You’ve got this!! 🧡
Gillian Harper says
You are an inspiration, Gina!
Carol & Mike Martone says
Good Luck! We love you.
Kim Brewer says
Keep up the hard work, Gina! We’re proud of you!
Clara Segreti says
You go girl !
Jackie, jimmy and Ryan Gambardella says
You go girl! You got this!😘
Tim and Sarah Mcvicker says
Very proud of you!
Jason Langdale says
Good luck
Camille Munn says
You go girl!
Jess Grutzner says
You are an inspiration!!
Barbara and Guy Lester says
Congratulations!! And thank you for being a force for good!!
Joselyn Morales says
Yay Gina!!! Congratulations. Love Always, The Morales Family
Audra Sichler says
You’ve got this!! You have an amazing family!! ❤️❤️
Mary Pfiel says
You are going to crush it, Best of luck 🏃🏼♀️
Gillian Harper says
Sending you strength and courage for your big race and every day…You’ve truly got this! xx
Kate Waters says
Amazing! You and Ava got this!
Jenny Feighery-Lazzaro says
Always rooting for you Gina! You got this.
Michele Bruen says
Good luck Gina!!! You are amazing as is your beautiful family. I think of you all often and am sending so much love and light to you all. Especially Ava 😉 please tell her that Anthony and Dylan said hello!! Xoxo
Laura Scampoli says
What an inspiration! So awesome!! You’ve got this! ❤️ I really couldn’t love this more .
Millie Newton says
Cheering you on from Charlotte, NC!
Angela Connolly says
Gina, You got this! Gob Bless your family.
Camille l Munn says
You got this !
Isolina Cardarelli says
You got this!!
Lorraine Calebrese says
You are a rockstar!! All for Avajean💛💛💛💛💛
Nicole Sweeney says
Ava is an inspiration and you are amazing, Mom. You are teaching your girls and all of us to keep going!! 26.2❤️
Jack and Gail Thatcher says
Good Luck and stay strong!
Jackie, Jimmy and Ryan Gambardella says
You go Gina! 🥰
Marcia Francis says
Best of Luck and have Fun!!
S D says
You got this G! I’mSooooo proud of your dedication. You amaze me and I know you’ll do great.
Amanda and Kayla Ottly says
Wishing you luck my friend!
Kimberly Brewer says
Run, Gina, Run! You are an inspiration to all of us!
Maria DIBENEDETTO says
Good luck! Go girl!! Love Mom & Dad
Debra Gorey says
You’ve totally got this! Go Super Woman, go!
Tara Perez says
You got this Gina! The beautiful family will support you! And an extra kiss will be Ava! I ❤️ you too!
Elizabeth Mozilo says
Good luck!
Maura Byrnes says
Gina, so proud of you! CranioMama💕💕💕
Jennifer Bianco says
You got this!!!! You are amazing in every way Xo
Cookie Digeronimo says
Go get em
Elizabeth Newton says
So excited for you!!! Ava girl inspires us all!
Sarah Domingo says
You got this Gina! I’m so proud of you and so amazed at your dedication.
Gail Stellato says
You are an inspiration. Good luck. Sending prayers and strength to you and your family.
Christina Nicosia says
Good Luck!! Such a strong beautiful family that I am so lucky to have crossed paths with.
Cindy Battreall says
You go girl!!!!!
Tim and Sarah McVicker says
Go Gina!!!
Tim and Sarah McVicker says
Go Gina!!
Vivian Kretzmer says
You go girl!
Manfred and Gundi Kohler says
Believe in yourself and you’ll succeed. We’ll keep our fingers x (just in case you need a bit of luck too😜)most important “be safe”!!♥️❤️
Dina Fantini says
Proud of you Gina!
Kathleen Hood says
Kathie/Bob Hood
Meg McElroy says
Go Gina!
Fedela Kessler says
Good luck Gina! You got this!
Fedela Kessler says
Good luck Gina! You got this!
Noreen Nicodemo says
You have this!!’ You go girl, you can do this!!!! Love your strength and determination! 💪
Dale Beverly says
Best wishes for a successful race!
George Pagnotta Pagnotta says
So proud of you. If you want to borrow my combat boots for luck you are welcome to use them!!!!!! It’s just a walk in the park. Enjoy the experience!!!!
nancy tucker says
You’ve got this Gina!! And for such an important cause. You always teach your girls by your actions.
Kristi Hennessy says
Good Luck Gina! You’re one strong mamma!
Maureen Patterson says
You are an amazing mom with a phenomenal family.
You will do great! ❤️
Vinny Savastano says
Best of Luck Gina!!
You got this!!
Lynn Sherman says
Yes Gina, you got this! So proud and inspired. Congratulations 🎉 💪🏼🏅
Kathy Rundle says
Go Gina! You have a great inspiration and a multitude of support. Have a great race.
Frances & Mark Lang says
Best wishes, Gina!
Savor each step of this amazing run!
With love and admiration,
Fran & Mark 💕
Carol Feehan says
You’re story is inspiring and Ava is a CHAMPION!!! Good luck and God Bless You!!
Talya Sapienza says
So proud of you!
Talya Sapienza says
So proud of you!
Rebekah Callaro says
Love and prayers to y’all! So excited for you! You got this! Philippians 4:13!!
Dawn Cowley says
You’ve got this !
Mandy McGilvray says
Go crush it! ❤️
Laura & Steven Borneman says
Go Gina and Darren! So proud of both of you!
Jason and Janie Langdale says
Good Luck Gina!!!
Karry Durante says
You are both an inspiration! Love the Durante’s
Donna & Ed Colello says
You got this Gina!
Mary Cassidy says
You are amazing! You’ve got this!💕
Joanne Palmer says
You got this !!!!
Kate Frasca says
You got this, Gina!!!!!
Kate Frasca says
You got this, Gina!!! Xoxo
Fergal McGourty says
Great stuff Gina!!!
McGourty Family
Teri Mahoney says
Go Momma Gina. You are an inspiration to us all. ❤️. Good luck tomorrow.
Mahoney Family ❤️ says
Gina, your such an inspiration to us all. You are going to ROCK tomorrow. ❤️
Cecilia Britez says
Beautiful family, May God bless you!!
Chris Delamonico says
Go get em!!
Angelo Questo says
Good luck my sweet girl. You are something special. Love you and love what your doing for other families.
Christy Larsen says
Go get em Gina! So proud of you
Robert Yerger says
Go Gina
Lisa Tavarez says
Good luck
Michael Wolfe says
Good luck tomorrow Gina! Prayers for a full recovery for Ava Jean!!
-Mike & Kerri Wolfe
Regina Picciano says
xoxo ava jean
Diane Danese says
Gina, you are an inspiration!
Jeanne Galeota says
To courage…
Barbara Guarino Lester says
Best of luck with the race! Tremendous inspiration to all!
Kimberly Santerre says
Yay Gina!!!! It’s finally here. Wooooo hooooo run Gina, run. xoxox
Thomas Mackey says
Run well and swift! I am Fran Lang’s brother and been rooting for your family. Nice job!
Tom Jacobellis says
Good luck, Gina!!
George Mahoney says
Have a great run! The Mahoneys
Dawn Watson says
Wishing you an amazing race! We are so inspired by Ava’s incredible journey, your determination, and your family’s willingness to always do good and help others 💕
Tom Stanley says
Good luck and prayers for Ava😊
Richard Pagnotta says
You got this, Gina! We’ll be rooting you on all across the way to the finish line! ❤️❤️🏃♂️🏃♂️
Amy Hunsucker says
Congratulations on finishing the race!
Jennifer Weaver says
Congratulations Gina!!!
Charlotte and Joe Cavanagh says
I know Ava Jean will persevere in her journey to health the same way that you did in your race journey! Congratulations
Debbie O’Shea says
Wooo hooo! Way to go, Gina!
Celeste Reck says
You are all so inspiring 💪
Dan Lombardi says
Congratulations! Inspirational.
Joselyn A Morales Morales says
So proud of you and blessed to have you in our lives!