Stories - Team Mission United
1 Triathlon Completed1 Marathon Completed – 1st New York City MarathonSUNY Albany Graduate Student, Double-Major in Cybersecurity & Political Science
Partly inspired by the non-fiction book Brothers Forever, one particular Bayport native has decided to support veterans and their families by running in the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon as a member of United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United.
Brendan, a natural competitor who has always enjoyed the challenge associated with team sports, discovered that running in his first marathon was a different experience entirely. It was not…
27 Marathons Completed28th New York City MarathonElementary School Principal, Freeport Public Schools
Alma, an experienced long-distance runner, is preparing to complete the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon as a member of United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United.
At age 26, Alma immigrated to New York City from Mexico City. It was then that she ran her first New York City marathon and has run every year since. Running provides a way to clear her mind and solve challenges from her job as an elementary school Assistant Principal, in which was recently promoted to Principal.
This year…
In 2009 when Shayne was only 18, his father passed away from cancer. In the midst of his mourning the loss of his dad, he found himself watching a documentary about three men who ran across the Sahara Desert and feeling a sudden sense of self. It was that moment that Shayne decided he was meant to be part of the running world, even though he had never run a race in his life.
“I just knew that I wanted to train for an ultra-marathon after watching that movie. A voice in my head said “this is what you need to do,” recalled Shayne. “It was a Wednesday, I went to the running store and told them…
For Sean, choosing to be part of United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United was one of the easiest decisions he’s made in his life. Not only is he involved with United Way of Long Island by helping to lead the employee giving campaign for his employer, Enterprise Rent A Car, he also already runs a number of races that benefit veterans. Best of all, he has the perfect person to cheer him on – his fiancé Kathy who was part of Team Mission United two years ago!
In just three years of running, the sport has completely changed Sean’s life. “Four years ago I was overweight, living such an…
For Lora to find inspiration, she doesn’t have to look far. Her daily motivator is her 10-year-old daughter Ava who has developmental special needs. “My daughter inspires me, because I see how many challenges she faces every day. Her learning disability affects every aspect of her life. Things that come naturally to other kids, she has to be taught how to do. But, she wakes up and goes to sleep every day with a smile on her face. Her attitude inspires me, and her determination,” said Lora.
After beginning her running career in her early 20s, Lora completed her first marathon at 25 years…
To Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc. (STS) Transit Bus Driver Walter Rodriguez, running for Team Mission United simply presents another opportunity to do what he does best. With ten years of running under his belt, Rodriguez has completed five TCS NYC Marathons. This year, as he embarks on his sixth, he has welcomed the chance to make it even more memorable.
“I feel very thankful and grateful to be a part of Team Mission United,” he said. Running on behalf of Mission United allows Rodriguez to continue supporting a community with which he is all too familiar.
As a transit bus driver,…
Recognized as one of the country's premier events, the TCS NYC Marathon attracts runners from far beyond the city's five boroughs. One runner set to make the journey for the big day is Tampa resident Mark Capobianco.
Though currently a Floridian, Mark was born and raised a Long Islander. His early training for sports like hockey and boxing was rooted in the familiar terrain of his neighborhood. "I would run down the length of Deer Park Avenue all the time. When I moved to Babylon, I would run trails in Belmont Park, and Argyle Lake was one of my favorite spots," he recalled. Now, he spends…
If there’s one thing Samantha Maurice knows, it’s the power of perseverance. This elementary education teacher first picked up her running shoes in middle school and hasn’t put them down since. She ran cross country and track every year through college, aiming to complete her first marathon right after graduation. Now, as she joins Team Mission United, she’s ramping up her training to run her second marathon.
Though getting to the finish line stands as no small task, Samantha can rely on her personal support system to push her through. Running by her side will be two longtime friends, Gina…
How do you go from loathing anything faster than a slight jog to running one of the world’s premier marathons? Just ask Political Director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO Ryan Stanton.
Before meeting his wife, Kayla, Ryan merely tolerated running as part of his crossfit training – a commitment he paired with his enthusiasm for weight lifting. When he and Kayla started dating, however, he found himself having to run just to spend a day with her. As they were saving for their wedding, he sacrificed CrossFit in favor of triathalons. “Little did I know triathalons were more…
When it comes to burning rubber, Michael Bingold –Executive Vice President, Director of Distribution and Client Development at Flushing Bank – knows how to put the sole to the pavement. A runner of fifteen years, Bingold has completed his fair share of races, including the Long Island and Entenmanns half marathons, many corporate challenges and the 2016 TCS NYC Marathon.
Given his extensive experience, it comes as no surprise that Bingold was approached by the Chair of United Way of Long Island’s Board of Directors, Senior Executive Vice President & COO at Flushing Bank Maria Grasso, to…