The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is pleased to announce that Team V, the V Foundation’s endurance fundraising program, raised more than $38,000 in conjunction with the 2019 United Airlines NYC Half marathon on March 17. This year marked the 14th anniversary of the United Airlines NYC Half, with 24,659 finishers. Proceeds earned by Team V members will fund premier cancer research nationwide through the V Foundation.
The team was comprised of 16 members, and the fundraising leaders were Sherrie Mazur and her brother Amir Gorji, who together raised more than $13,000. They ran in memory of their aunt and grandfather, who both died from cancer. Shannon DeCock, another Team V member, ran in memory of her father who passed away from lung cancer in February.
“I don’t know what’s more exciting, dashing through the streets of New York with 25,000 running mates or raising dollars and awareness to take down cancer, in my own small way,” said Mazur. “Having my brother, Amir, take his first foray into fundraising and distance running alongside me is an absolute highlight!”
Since 2005, the United Airlines NYC Half has been showcasing New York City’s historic landmarks, popular parks and diverse neighborhoods through its one-of-a-kind running experience. Runners went on a journey from Prospect Park in Brooklyn to Central Park in Manhattan, passing over the Manhattan Bridge and by the Lower East Side, United Nations Headquarters, Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park and Times Square. Each Team V member made a minimum fundraising commitment of $1,250.
“My dad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer shortly before I joined Team V and passed away in the middle of my training,” said DeCock. “No words can describe this loss, but it has also left me more inspired. By raising money for the V Foundation and running in his memory, I hope I can help others avoid the pain he endured. It’s one thing I can do to help make an impact.”
The V Foundation is an official charity partner of the iconic 2019 TCS New York City Marathon this November. Since 2014, Team V has raised more than $2.75 million for the V Foundation through endurance events across the country, including the TCS New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon and the Tobacco Road Marathon & Half Marathon. The TCS New York City Marathon is a bucket-list race through all five boroughs of the city.
The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge research, holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity. For more information and to register for Team V, please visit www.jimmyv.org/teamv or email teamv@jimmyv.org to inquire about spots on the team.
