New York, New York
What inspires someone to run 26.2 miles in the New York City Marathon? For our five runners, it’s the opportunity to help ensure every baby receives the healthiest possible start in life.
After making our marathon debut last year, we’re proud to return with our biggest team yet. Each runner has a different reason for taking on the challenge, but they’re united by a shared belief in the difference donor milk can make.
Meet the remarkable people representing Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast in this year’s race and discover why they’re running.
Five Runners. One Mission.
Why I run – in Caroline’s words:
As a labor and delivery nurse, I know how important donor milk can be for medically fragile babies. When a mother’s own milk isn’t available, donor milk becomes more than nutrition. It becomes comfort, hope, and a bridge to healing.
Running the New York City Marathon lets me combine my passion for caring for families with the opportunity to support a mission I believe in. Together, we can make a direct impact on neonatal outcomes and give vulnerable babies a stronger, healthier start to life.
Why I run – in Greg’s words:
My family briefly needed donor milk when our son was born, and that experience has stayed with me. We were fortunate to have access to it. Many families aren’t.
I’m running because Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast helps ensure vulnerable babies receive safe donor milk when they need it most. Every mile is my way of raising awareness, supporting families, and helping more babies get the healthiest possible start.
Why I run – in Susan’s words:
As a mother of seven, I know how much time, energy, and love goes into feeding a baby. That’s why I’m inspired by the women who not only nourish their own children, but so many others throughout the Northeast.
What makes donor milk so remarkable is the generosity behind it. Unlike blood donation, relatively few people are able to donate milk, and feeding even one baby is no small task. Milk donation is a powerful example of how one act of kindness can change a life.
Why I run – in Kiara‘s words:
As a postpartum nurse, I’ve seen firsthand how important access to donor milk can be for newborns, especially those born prematurely or facing medical challenges. Knowing donor milk is available gives families one less thing to worry about while they focus on their baby’s care.
Running a marathon has always been a personal goal. Being able to dedicate every mile to these babies, their families, and the mission of Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast makes it even more meaningful.
Why I run – in Sarah’s words:
As an antepartum nurse, I care for patients with high-risk pregnancies, including families whose babies may need NICU care. I’ve seen how important donor milk can be during those first critical days, providing essential nutrition and helping protect premature babies against serious complications.
I’m honored to run the New York City Marathon to raise awareness for Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast. Every baby deserves a healthy start, and every family deserves the care to make that possible.
Help Our Team Cross the Finish Line
Every donation helps our runners go the distance while supporting Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast’s mission to provide safe donor human milk to babies who need it most. Together, we’re helping give vulnerable babies a stronger, healthier start to life.
Thank you for being part of our 2026 New York City Marathon journey.
