OHEL is thrilled to once again partner with the TCS New York City Marathon as an official charity partner in this year’s marathon, to be held on Sunday, November 6. Meital Cafri of OHEL adds that “the TCS New York City Marathon provides a great participatory platform for our dedicated Team OHEL charity runners to raise significant funds for the children and adults we serve at OHEL every day.”

We are looking forward to supporting and celebrating our committed and dedicated runners and are very appreciative of their fundraising efforts that benefit children and adults with disabilities, foster children and children in domestic-violence shelters.

The TCS New York City Marathon is the premier event held annually on the first Sunday of November. The race features 50,000 and is the largest marathon in the world. OHEL has participated in the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon since 2009 and is also participating in the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half for the first time on March 20, 2016.

Our runners come from all over New Jersey, New York, Long Island and Canada. Team OHEL runners all have personal stories for participating in this run, whether it is for health, social or charitable reasons.

David Sutton of Team OHEL, and a participant of the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half, lost an uncle to Type 2 diabetes when he was very young, and was himself diagnosed. As a father of five children, he knew he had to be there for his children. The day he was diagnosed was the day he started exercising. “It’s truly amazing how one diagnosis can change a person’s life for the better,” Sutton explains. “I saw firsthand how my blood sugar level would be 220 before I worked out, and after my run it could be as low as 80.”

He also transformed his diet. “By sticking to foods that grow naturally, like fresh fruit and veggies, is what would help me.” By making these changes, he was able to come off the two types of medications he was taking for his diabetes, as well as meds for high blood pressure, ADHD, antibiotics for constant skin infections and also antidepressants. “I’ve realized that the only thing that can help people manage their health is what is on the edge of their fork.” Sutton is running the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon to make a statement. “If there’s one life I can help, it’s all worth it!”

Dave Balassiano of Team OHEL shares a similar story and will also be running the 2016 TCS NYC Marathon.

Six years ago, he weighed over 275 pounds, suffered from high blood pressure and had bad cholesterol. At the age of 21, he had lost his father to poor health. He knew he had to turn his life around for the sake of his family. He began changing his diet, walking and jogging outdoors. In just about one year, he had lost 75 pounds and enrolled in his first 5K. “At the finish line everybody cheered for me, and I will never forget that moment. It was like I won the race,” Balassiano said. “I didn’t realize I was one of the last people, but I felt great.” Balassiano will be running the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half with Team OHEL for his family. After all, they were the driving force behind his improved health.

Bruce Prince, of Englewood, NJ, will also be running the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half for Team OHEL—in memory of Chana Poupko, z”l, who was a brave little girl who passed away of cancer. Bruce explains, “Since we were inspired by Chana Poupko, z”l, and the battle she fought, we’d like to help bless her memory again this year. Remembering her battle helps us help others.” Over the last several years, Bruce has run in memory of his brother whom he lost to mental illness. Prince has been a key player of Team OHEL and was honored at the 2015 OHEL Annual Gala as an “Everyday Superhero.”

Gifts of all sizes are welcomed and appreciated to support the team and raise the funds to support our Simcha Fund. This fund covers the cost of lifecycle events of hundreds of OHEL children and adults—from a Bris, to a Bat Mitzvah, to a graduation. Runners who have already secured a place in the 2016 TCS NYC Marathon are welcome to become part of Team OHEL and support the team’s sponsorship goals.

The larger community, who decides not to run, can still stay in the race by sponsoring a Team OHEL member or making a contribution!

For more information on how you can secure a charity slot for Team OHEL, contact Meital Cafri at 718-686-3217 or [email protected].