A MESSAGE FROM Maria's fundraising for the Fund for Public Health in NYC
I’m running to support The Fund for Public Health in NYC (FPHNYC), the nonprofit partner of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer remain leading causes of death in New York City, claiming more than 30,000 lives each year — with the greatest impact on communities of color and low-income New Yorkers. By supporting my run, you’re helping expand access to primary care, health screenings, affordable and nutritious food, mental health services, and other essential programs that serve 8.5 million New Yorkers.
New York City has always been my home.
As a native New Yorker, born in Dominican Republic and raised in Harlem, I have always been surrounded by community that has helped me thrive. Running has provided me with a way to maintain physical health while also functioning as an outlet to manage my anxiety. This will be my third year running the NYC marathon!!
When I'm not running, I'm an abolitionist social worker in training pursuing my Masters of Social Work at Hunter Silberman School of Social Work. I'm also an Overnight Coordinator at Trinity Place Shelter supporting LGBTQIA+ young adults as they transition from homelessness to home. Part of being a social worker means involving communities in the work that impacts them, shifting power dynamics and encouraging mutual aid efforts.
Thank you for supporting me on this journey — every contribution counts, and no donation is too small. Helping me run to support the Fund for Public Health helps me continue to do the work that I love!
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