Mariya P. - NYC Marathon 2025

Hi, I’m Mariya — and I’m finally making a dream come true: running the NYC Marathon!

Running a marathon has been my dream for years.

The first time I trained, I broke my leg.

The second time, the pandemic hit, and everything was canceled halfway through my journey.

Then, during my third attempt, a full-scale war broke out in my home country of Ukraine — and my life changed completely.

This goal has stayed with me through some of the hardest and most uncertain times in my life.

Crossing the finish line in New York won’t just be about running 26.2 miles — it will be a symbol of resilience, hope, and finally achieving a dream that’s been with me through so many chapters of life.

I’m running with Team Commonpoint because their mission is deeply personal to me. When I arrived in New York — escaping war and starting over from scratch — Commonpoint offered me stability, support, and genuine human kindness at a time when I needed it most. I will never forget it.

Running this iconic race is my way of giving back. Every dollar raised will help others access vital resources like food assistance, mental health support, job training, and education.

If my story speaks to you, I’d be honored if you supported this cause with a donation — every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.

And if your employer offers donation matching, your impact could go even further. 🤍

Thank you for helping turn this dream into something bigger — something that can make a real difference for others.