A MESSAGE FROM Paul
Hi, so I'm running the 2025 NYC Marathon. Here is a little background. I just started running May 2024 just for exercise and just turned into something that I became very heavily addicted to which lead me to running my first half marathon in September 2024. Once I've registered for that first half marathon it has brought a lot of good change and healthier habits in my life. These positive changes are something I want to share with my daughter. I want to show her how hard work pays off and the confidence it comes with when you put in the work.
Joining Team For Kids just felt right with their mission to support youth programs that help kids stay active, healthy, and engaged in positive activities. Their focus on providing kids with the tools to lead healthier lives, overcome challenges, and build resilience really struck me. As I read some stories of kids whose lives had been transformed through physical activity and mentorship, I realized something powerful: the act of running—of pushing yourself beyond what you thought possible—was not just a personal victory, but also a way to make a real difference in the lives of others.
I want to be part of something larger than myself. I want to show these kids that with support, determination, and perseverance, they could achieve anything they set their minds to. Team for Kids wasn’t just asking for people to run for a cause; it was inviting individuals to embody the same spirit of grit and determination that they were teaching the kids.
I thought about all the times I’ve faced obstacles in my own life, and how sometimes just having someone cheer you on can make all the difference. That’s exactly what this organization does—it’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about fostering confidence, building a sense of community, and proving that anything is possible when you have a team behind you.
When I run this marathon, it won’t just be my legs that get me across the finish line—it will be the spirit of all the kids I’m running for, the support of my fellow runners, and the knowledge that each step is helping someone else take a step toward a healthier, brighter future. It’s a chance to prove to myself—and to the kids—that we can all go the distance, no matter the challenge.
So, when I cross that finish line, I won’t just be celebrating my own accomplishment. I’ll be celebrating the power of community, of kids dreaming big, and of all of us showing up together to make a lasting impact. That’s why I’m running with Team for Kids.