TCS New York City Marathon

I Am Making A Difference with My Miles!

Thank you very much for visiting my TEAM TEAL fundraising page for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. 

Where do I begin? I am originally from Yonkers, New York but recently moved to Staten Island. Growing up my family was small in size but being in an Italian family, we were tight-knit and valued traditions. Ironically, while valuing tradition, I did grow up in a non-traditional way. I had a somewhat estranged relationship with both of my parents (who were separated). My aunt (Titti) and grandma took on a task they had never expected to face: raising me. My Titti dedicated the majority of her life to watching over me, teaching me right from wrong, and emotionally supporting me through ups and downs. Needless to say, I gave her a run for her money, but she never gave up on me. She was my biggest supporter and had my back even if I was in the wrong. Her love was unconditional. 

My Titti was the maternal figure I had always wanted and provided me with everything a mother was supposed to do for their child. She made sure every one of my birthdays was celebrated and every one of my accomplishments praised. My Titti gave me stability amongst the chaos. She continued to be a maternal figure for me even after getting married and having kids of her own. She did everything with grace and ease.

In February of 2023, our world tilted violently when we found out that my aunt had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer which had also spread to her lymph nodes.  She started chemotherapy on March 9th , 2023 and immediately started feeling negative side effects. Just two days after her initial treatment, my Titti found herself in the ICU. Although scared, she was ready to give the fight of her life (not knowing she was up against a stage 4 diagnosis). After several attempts and hours of doctors trying to stabilize her, my aunt was robbed of the opportunity to fight. She was only 51. On March 12^th, 2023 we lost someone who was a mother, wife, aunt, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend who left an indelible mark on everyone she crossed paths with. My aunt was a radiant human being and to know her was to love her. Amidst the chaos, she demonstrated unwavering strength and courage. 

There are no amount of words that could describe the ways my Titti, Anita DiFabio- Smith, altered the course of my life for the better. She gave me two beautiful cousins (who are basically my brother and sister) and countless memories, laughs, and wisdom. Amongst the many memories we made over the years, I will always cherish the family vacations she let me join. She showed me that a mother is not the one who gave birth to you but the one that raised you. Before she passed away, she inspired me to get back into running and that’s what I did. I’m running the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon in my aunt’s honor because if it’s one thing she gave me, it’s the strength I need to push through any challenge.

I’m both thrilled and honored to be representing TEAM TEAL in order to raise awareness and fundraise for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), an organization I hold near and dear to my heart.  Ovarian cancer effects an estimated 1 in 87 women. Currently, there is no early detection test or screening tool for ovarian cancer. I hope that by running for TEAM TEAL we can raise money to fund research and advance treatment to find a cure. Money raised will go towards support programs and initiatives in order to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, support newly diagnosed patients and their loved ones, and push for the advancement of research. 

Thank you in advance for your generosity and thoughtfulness. Your support is deeply appreciated by not only me but the unfortunate amount of women and families effected by ovarian cancer.

Sincerely,