Meet Team Foundling’s 2023 NYC Marathon Runners!

Jean Marie Grecsek

Since 2000, I’ve run over 50 distance races, including 10 full marathons. I’m a proud New Yorker, and I look for ways to give back to my community where the needs are greatest. In years past, I have combined my love of running with raising money for charities like Fred’s Team in the past, and am excited to run for The Foundling.

I knew about The Foundling because my cousin had adopted her two children through the organization years ago. I learned more recently about the wide scope of programs and services that the organization provides and I was excited to learn about an opportunity to get involved. As a mother of seven, I understand the challenges that even the most supported parents and families face, and feel that the resources that The Foundling provides to families who are struggling is critical. I’ll work hard to raise awareness and funds for the organization.

Support Jean here!

Suzanne O’Brien

I believe we are all here to help one another in this life.

The Foundling has given many people, couples, and families the opportunities and tools they need. This is my first time running for a cause, and I’m happy to be giving back to The New York Foundling. I grew up hearing about the organization and how wonderful their work is. I’m so proud to be a representative of the work.

Support Suzanne here!

Charlotte Loper

I am very excited to run for Team Foundling! As an infant, I was sick and put in the care of The Foundling Hospital. I received care and attention and was able to be placed in my family. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to give back to an organization that gave me so much, many years ago!

Support Charlotte here!

Ben Oxnard

I joined the New York Foundling Junior Board in 2022, and I’m happy to run and fundraise for Team Foundling this year!

Support Ben here!

Shawn Garrett

My connection to The Foundling is new, but I’m passionate about the mission. From a young age, I have donated my time to empowering those in impoverished communities. Helping those of lesser means is a life goal of mine. I’m excited to run and fundraise for Team Foundling.

Support Shawn here!

Pilar Grullon

I am a former colleague of the Foundling’s President and CEO and Chief of Staff. The Foundling understands that mental health is the foundation for stability and function and dedicates significant resources and programming to address this, especially among communities that are predisposed to experiencing mental health issues due to the challenges in their everyday lives.

Support Pilar here!

Niall Keane

Growing up I had always heard about The New York Foundling, an anchor institution in New York City that provides unparalleled social services in five focus areas: child welfare, developmental disabilities, education, health and behavioral health, and juvenile and criminal justice. As an organization, their work is rooted in building and nourishing community, with the goal of helping individuals reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

This year, when adversity is facing so many people and coming in so many forms, I am running the TCS New York City Marathon for The New York Foundling to support this mission of empowerment and community building. Since its founding in 1869, The Foundling has utilized evidence-based research to amend vulnerability in our communities, while concurrently bringing heart, generosity, and humanity to every person they serve.

Support Niall here!

Robert Holmes

I’m passionate about the community and The Foundling’s mission. With every step I take, I will be raising critical funds to support an organization in whose work and mission I deeply believe. By supporting me, you’re really supporting the 30,000 children, adults, and families in The Foundling’s programs every year.

Support Robert here!

Miles Kurtz

This is my first time running for a charity partner. I am passionate about The New York Foundling and their mission. I believe in providing opportunities for children regardless of circumstances so they can grow up to achieve their potential.

Support Miles here!

Eric Kim

Go Team Foundling!

Connor Zielinski

Transformational change is possible,  but sometimes only with some help. The Foundling inspires me and many others to support any way we can, and I genuinely believe in the mission. I am a massive proponent of ending the mental health stigma, and I fully believe everyone deserves a fair shot at a healthy and happy life. I want to continue to help remove obstacles for people across the community.

Support Connor here!