A MESSAGE FROM Fundraising Page for Erica Leone - NEW YORK CITY MARATHON!
Please support my fundraising efforts for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon via City Parks Foundation. No donation is too small. Please click on the donate button!
A little about your runner, Erica:
Life changed for me on March 16, 2019. After experiencing numbness throughout my leg that then traveled through my body, it led to a trip to the ER where I was ultimately diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
I was terrified while laying in the MRI machine. What if I can’t walk again? How will life change? An image came to me, of running side by side with my son River through a field of grass.
Weeks later after receiving an infusion, I came across an article of someone living with MS, reflecting on how they weren’t able to run anymore. I thought, “I wonder if I am able to run?” I decided to find out by signing up for a 5k, and another, and the journey began. A handful of Half Marathons , connecting with a Running Coach, and my 1st Full Marathon last year. Currently training for my third one.
And that image of River & I running together? We have run dozens of 5k races side by side! Every time I go out for a run, he says to me “I hope you win today Mommy“. He in fact just got 1st place in Track events at the local Special Olympics, participating as an Autistic athlete. He thrives in his school cross country and track teams and we inspire each other to thrive.
This journey is a team effort . My husband Mike has been with me every step of the way. He encourages and believes in me while going along for the ride of all that’s entailed in my extensive training. Mike and River are always cheering me on. My collective family as a whole have helped me to manifest this into being.
Why the New York City Marathon? I will always be a New Yorker at heart and the opportunity to run for a charity team is a dream come true . I run because “I get to and each step I take is carried with gratitude”.
I love what this charity team represents. City Parks Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that helps communities thrive by offering free community building programs focused on sports, the arts, environmental education, and beautifying city parks. How cool is it that they offer free sports programs to thousands of kids & seniors throughout NYC?
Thanks for supporting me! I love you all and I will see you at the finish line!
Thanks for supporting me! I love you all and I will see you at the finish line!
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