I'm Running the NYC Marathon — And I Need Your Help
I’m thrilled (and a little nervous!) to share that I’ve been selected to run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon as part of Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation's Athletes for Accessibility team.
I’m running to raise $5,000 to help advance innovation for children and adults with disabilities. All donations help CPARF invest in scientific discovery, technological development, and equity-centered initiatives that improve quality of life, treatment, and care. This is an organization deeply connected to my family’s journey. Their work fuels hope: hope for better treatments, greater independence, and improved quality of life for individuals with Cerebral Palsy.
I first ran this race nearly 20 years ago, in 2006. Back then, I ran for the personal challenge, and it became one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
This time, it’s different.
This time, I’m running for something far greater.
I’m running for Joey. 26 miles for my 26-weeker. 💙
If you’re able, I would truly appreciate your support, whether that means donating, sharing this post, or cheering me on along the way.
This journey is for Joey and for every family walking a similar path. I hope you follow along and cheer us on!
Will you help me reach my goal by making a donation today?
My Updates
Training Update
Monday 27th JulThank you! ❤️
Because of your incredible generosity, we’ve raised almost 75% of our $5,000 goal for Athletes for Accessibility through the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.
Every donation, every share, and every encouraging message has meant so much to me and our family.
Many of you know that running has been part of my story for a long time. Between 2005 and 2012, I completed seven marathons, and if I’m being honest, I cared a lot about my pace and my finish time.
Coming back to running at 50 has been…humbling.
Since I committed to this journey, I’ve dropped a table on my toes and suffered a crush injury, dealt with a lumbar and hip strain, and learned that the body I have today isn’t the same one I had in my 30s.
There have been runs that felt amazing…and runs where my pride took a pretty big hit.
Yesterday, I completed six miles.
Years ago, I might have been disappointed by the pace. Yesterday, I was simply grateful that I could do it, even if that meant listening to my body, slowing down, and taking walk breaks.
I’ve realized that maybe one of my biggest challenges isn’t just the miles. It’s letting go of the idea that every run has to look the way it did 15 or 20 years ago.
I just have to remember why I signed up in the first place. I wanted to fall in love with running again because it once brought me so much joy…and I wanted to honor Joey by supporting Athletes for Accessibility.
Now I’m off to my PT appointment! Thank you for believing in this mission and for cheering me on every step of the way.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$280
Robin Young
$250
Danielle Walsh
$200
The Hitzschke’s
$111.25
Anonymous
$111.25
Rosemary Barry
Good luck! 🍀
$111.25
Michelle Barbee
Kick ass!!
$106.82
Rosemary Barry
$106.82
Jennivieve Randolph
You are amazing! Let’s go!
$106.82
Annamaria Schmidt
Go Danielle! What a great cause❤️
$106.82
Nujoud
Congratulations to you!! You can do it- can’t wait to be a part of this journey!
$106.82
Meg Brown
$106.82
Emily Yannascoli
You are amazing! Great Mama too! 😊
$106.82
Dave And Mary Walsh
You are amazing! We’re very proud of you!
$106.82
Jeanine And Dave Kavney
$106.82
Naara Zapata
$106.82
Tracy Hale
Run fast and free!
$106.82
Kathy And Walt Grajko
Amazing!
$104.42
Denise Moriarty
Honored to be a small part of your amazing challenge. Will be thinking of and rooting for you!
$100
Vicky Weir
You can do this Danielle. I admire so much your capacity to want to make a difference.
$100
Kristen And Dan Walsh
$60.95
Matthew
In support of Joey!! From one athlete with CP to another!!
$57.38
Jen
Way to go! Woohoo!
$57.38
Kara Eicholzer
$57.38
Megan Kavney & Kevin Miller
So inspiring! You got this!!!
$57.38
Marano Family
Good Luck Danielle!
$57.38
Anonymous
Running with a Purpose 💓
$57.38
Sarah Angelmar
Congratulations for lacing up your running shoes again!
$56.18
Mary Kate Walsh
$54.86
Lindsay
Best of luck!
$54.86
Kebells
You are an inspiration! You've got this! ❤️
$54.86
Anne Artini
$54.86
Mindy Vavonese
$54.86
Laurie Kutina
Go Danielle! Good Luck! All our love to you Rich and Joey!
$54.86
Kerry Walsh
Go Danielle!!
$54.86
Jamie Kline
Good luck Danielle!!!
$54.86
Liz S
Good luck Danielle!!!
$54.86
Kara Eicholzer
Best of luck Danielle, and have fun!! Thanks for representing 🥰
$54.86
Rachel Kavney
Go Danielle! You are awesome! Love, Rachel and Drew
$54.86
Natalie
Congratulations! You are amazing! Go Danielle ❤️!
$54.86
Kiersten Klem
Your amazing son has the best mom 💙
$54.86
Sandro D’avirro
Go crush it Danielle. All our love. Sandro, Nanette, Nicholas, Alex and Dominick
$54.86
Elizabeth Blatt
Joey continues to amaze us all!
$54.86
Michelle Barbee
Get it!!
$54.46
Kate Monto
Danielle, you are amazing! 🩷
$50
Michele Vavonese
$50
Anett Marcarian
This is awesome!❤️
$50
Maggie And Michael Grysko
So excited for you to go after such an awesome goal!
$33.65
Mark And Bob
Go Danielle! 13 & 26 all the way!!!
$30.09
Danielle Todisco
$29.95
Erica Stark
Good luck to you at NYC. Have fun! Love to you and your family.
$29.95
Liz S
You’re amazing!!! You got this!
$29.95
Anonymous
Go Danielle! Ill be cheering from the sidelines Shannon 💙
$29.95
Sonjia Dawley
You got this! Proud of you!
$29.95
Julie Blumer
$28.94
Rachel Deckman
Love this - best of luck!!
$27.88
Pabs
You go girl! Joey is lucky to have you as his mom. :)
$27.88
Jennifer Macderment
You’ve got this!! 💪🏻
$27.88
Cody Kelly
Go Danielle and go Joey!!
$27.88
Sindee Z
Wishing you a truly amazing experience.
$26
Sally And Drew Aitchison
Whohoooo Danielle and Joey! Love you and your family!
$22.72
Antonietta Chairmonte, Lcswr
$22.72
Cody Kelly
$22.72
Mary Beth Cadden
$1
Love your passion. Happy to support you.