Fundraising For:
2026 TCS New York City Marathon
- Why I'm Doing This
- What I'm Raising Money For
I’m proud to be running the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on behalf of New Life CDC.
I’ve recently rediscovered my love for running. I’ve always been a runner, but it never really clicked until the past few years. After a couple of half marathons in my 20s, I took a long break, always dreaming of running a full marathon by 40. Last year, I finally did it! Running has become my time to breathe. Some days it’s a way to release stress. Other days it’s just me with my thoughts, celebrating life and feeling fully present. As a mom, it’s one of the few moments I get to be completely with myself. Every step reminds me how lucky I am to be strong and healthy enough to move my body this way. I’ve learned that waiting for the perfect moment never works. I’ve run in rain, freezing cold, heat, between meetings, and even on vacation, and I’ve loved every run.
Running this marathon feels meaningful not just as a personal milestone but as an opportunity to run for something bigger than myself. Jason and I have followed and supported New Life CDC for over 10 years. As a former longtime resident of Rego Park, the Elmhurst and Corona communities are incredibly close to our hearts. What draws us most to New Life CDC is their focus on long-term change. Through programs like Success Groups, which we connect with deeply as children of immigrant parents, they are not just helping families get by. They equip them with tools, practical support, and opportunities to break cycles of poverty and build sustainable futures. That kind of impact is powerful and life-changing.
I feel honored to use this race to shine a light on their work, an organization you can be part of and follow along as well. I’m so grateful for any support, and even just sharing or following along would mean so much to me. You can also join me for a run sometime!
Love,
Mel
I’ve recently rediscovered my love for running. I’ve always been a runner, but it never really clicked until the past few years. After a couple of half marathons in my 20s, I took a long break, always dreaming of running a full marathon by 40. Last year, I finally did it! Running has become my time to breathe. Some days it’s a way to release stress. Other days it’s just me with my thoughts, celebrating life and feeling fully present. As a mom, it’s one of the few moments I get to be completely with myself. Every step reminds me how lucky I am to be strong and healthy enough to move my body this way. I’ve learned that waiting for the perfect moment never works. I’ve run in rain, freezing cold, heat, between meetings, and even on vacation, and I’ve loved every run.
Running this marathon feels meaningful not just as a personal milestone but as an opportunity to run for something bigger than myself. Jason and I have followed and supported New Life CDC for over 10 years. As a former longtime resident of Rego Park, the Elmhurst and Corona communities are incredibly close to our hearts. What draws us most to New Life CDC is their focus on long-term change. Through programs like Success Groups, which we connect with deeply as children of immigrant parents, they are not just helping families get by. They equip them with tools, practical support, and opportunities to break cycles of poverty and build sustainable futures. That kind of impact is powerful and life-changing.
I feel honored to use this race to shine a light on their work, an organization you can be part of and follow along as well. I’m so grateful for any support, and even just sharing or following along would mean so much to me. You can also join me for a run sometime!
Love,
Mel
Support Mel Runs the 1st NYC
Recent Donations
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$2,000.00
Anonymous
Make us proud! <3
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$500.00
Anonymous
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$100.00
Anonymous
Crush it, Mel!
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$500.00
Anonymous
Run Mel Run
PO
$200.00
Paul Oh
Good luck Mel!