With Arms Wide Open

Hello. My name is Katie Kelly. I am a full-time nurse and mother to four adorable children and two dogs. My husband is a Lieutenant in the New York City Police Department. This year I will be running the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon for With Arms Wide Open. This will by my 4th marathon.

Each year I have chosen to participate in a charity that is near and dear to my heart. This year I have chosen With Arms Wide Open because, as the mother of a special needs child, I understand the hardships families often face, both emotionally and financially. I hope that any donations raised will assist in providing other families with much needed guidance and support.

More information about NYPD With Arms Wide Open: With Arms Wide Open is a 501 c3 Foundation that assists NYPD Police Officer of all ranks active and retired that have children with special needs and medical complexities. We help with offsetting out-of-pocket medical costs, durable medical equipment and accessible home modifications that are needed to help their children receive the optimal quality of life.

For the past three years, I have completed the TCS NYC Marathon along side some of my greatest friends. I was there with them every step of the way, and inspired them when they were doubting themselves. We crossed the finish line in support of an amazing charity, NYPD With Arms Wide Open. Now for my final NYC marathon, I’m taking on a new challenge, I’m challenging myself, running with Aidan Riley!

Aidan’s father Merritt is a co-trustee in the NYC PBA, and the founder of NYPD With Arms Wide Open - a charity begun out of the Riley’s experiences with Aidan - to assist NYC Police Officers with medically complex and special needs children.

Aidan is 22 years old, living with Cerebral Palsy and is a tremendous supporter of all things NYPD as well as the City of NY’s biggest cheerleader. As my last official NYC Marathon, I could not have been matched up with a better running partner!

Every dollar raised for our 26.2 mile journey across the five boroughs helps an NYPD family navigating life with their child just like Aidan. You can read more about NYPD With Arms Wide Open’s mission by visiting their website, NYPD With Arms Wide Open

My name is Ashley Blom and this is my second time running the TCS NYC marathon. I ran the TCS NYC marathon in November of 2023 and it was such an amazing and thrilling experience. I immediately decided that I wanted to run it again.

I will be running again for the same charity NYPD With Arms Wide Open. This is a charity that provides support for cops of all ranks and their families with special needs children. NYPD With Arms Wide Open provides group meetings with doctors, special needs lawyers, physical therapists and equipment representatives to help all the members with any needs they may have. I had the privilege to meet some of the families and heard first hand how this organization has helped them, it is truly inspiring. NYPD With Arms Wide Open has helped many members with medical equipment, such as customized bicycles with hand pedals and motorized wheelchairs often not covered by insurance. These families sacrifice a lot to make sure their children are taken care of, so any donation big or small is greatly appreciated.

The only source of funding for With Arms Wide Open is donations and fundraising. I look forward to raising money for such a wonderful organization again.

Find out more about NYPD With Arms Wide Open on their website www.nypdwawo.org

When my uncle first woke me up at 9am during Christmas break to go on a 3-mile run with him, I told him to get lost. I was in the 7th grade and in no way, shape, or form fit to go for a run, let alone 3 miles. But, he nagged me to get out of bed and do it. Needless to say, I was miserable. My shoes were shoddy, I stopped multiple times, and I was constantly out of breath. But, when I got home, I had a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing that I did something that I really didn’t want to do, but powered through it regardless.

It wasn’t long before I got my own running shoes and started going on jogs frequently. Once I was able to complete three miles, I was hooked. It became something that I looked forward to, something that I felt I couldn’t function in my day without.

Once I got out of college, I was hitting ten miles with ease, which inspired me to participate in the 2023 Hook Mountain Half Marathon.

With running, I am always pushing my limit and surprising myself with what I can do. My 13-year old self that morning would have never envisioned me running three miles at the end of the day, but I did it. At the time I could only run three miles, I would have told you you’re out of your mind if you said I was running a half marathon, but I remember thinking, “Yeah, this is enough running, I would never run a marathon.” Pushing myself is what gives me pride and makes me stronger mentally, physically and spiritually. Once I found With Arms Wide Open, it was a no brainer to do this, both benefitting myself and a great cause.

NYPD With Arms Wide Open is a non-profit organization that assists current and retired officers of all ranks facing a future of raising a special needs or medically complex child. Frequent fundraisers are their only source of capital, and 100% of all donations received to go aid families of the NYPD who have expressed a need. You can find out more about them by visiting www.nypdwawo.org

My uncle, Michael John Buczek, was a New York City police officer and was tragically killed in the line of duty on October 18, 1988. Since his passing, my family has always looked for ways to honor his life, and the ultimate sacrifice he made while helping to make New York City a better place.

I have the honor of running the TCS NYC Marathon for the NYPD With Arms Wide Open charity. With Arms Wide Open is an incredible organization that aids families of the NYPD with special needs and medically complex children.

My family has seen first-hand the sacrifices that the NYPD and its families make on a daily basis. With Arms Wide Open helps to take some of the financial and emotional burden for NYPD officers facing a future of raising and being a life long caretaker of a special needs or medically complex child. NYPD With Arms Wide Open is a 100% volunteer run organization and all dollars raised go directly to families who express a need.

I could not imagine getting to honor my Uncle Michael in any better way than running the NYC Marathon for With Arms Wide Open in the city he protected and for the people he protected it with.

Hey everyone ! It's that time of year again. I'll be running my 14th TCS NYC Marathon in support of an amazing organization - NYPD WITH ARMS WIDE OPEN.

This is a support group/resource center that assists NYPD Members of Service in dealing with and providing for their children with special needs and medical complexities. You can read more about them at www.nypdwawo.org

Please assist me with reaching my 2024 goal of raising $2500.

Hello everyone! My name is Allison Passero, and I am honored to be running the NYC Marathon for a cause that is incredibly close to my family. I have and 8 year old son, Julius and my husband is an NYPD officer. I have chosen to support the "NYPD With Arms Wide Open" charity in this marathon.

Being a teacher for the NYC Department of Education has given me a unique perspective on the impact of special needs on families and the crucial support they require. NYPD With Arms Wide Open is an amazing organization that provides essential assistance to officers who have special needs children, ensuring they receive the resources and support necessary for their well-being. By running my first-ever marathon, I hope to raise both awareness and funds to help these officers and their families through their unique journey.

I am truly grateful for any contribution you can make to this worthy cause. Your donation will not only motivate me during my 26.2-mile journey but, more importantly, it will make a significant difference in the lives of these dedicated officers and their special needs and medically complex children. Together, let's show our support and help make their lives a little brighter. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity!

Find out more about NYPD With Arms Wide Open by visiting their website www.nypdwawo.org or check out this video about their incredible work here: https://vimeo.com/268480027

Hi everyone! My name is Jesus Vargas and I'm an active NYPD Police Officer of the 68 Precinct as well as the Ceremonial Unit, and actively serving in the United States Air Force. Because of my career choices, I understand the value and importance of staying active and healthy.

I have been a member of the NYPD running club and so far I have already run 3 half marathons. Not only am I going to run my very FIRST New York City Marathon but I am also training to run two more half marathons this year.

Running the TCS NYC Marathon has been a goal and dream for me to accomplish since I was young kid growing up in NYC, especially when I started to run for my High School's track and cross country teams. This year I get to fulfill my dream of running my first TCS NYC Marathon by running for the NYPD With Arms Wide Open charity - supporting NYPD families with special needs and medically complex children.

More information about NYPD With Arms Wide Open: With Arms Wide Open is a 501(c)3 Foundation that assists NYPD Police Officers of all ranks (active and retired) that have medically complex and special needs children. WAWO provides financial assistance for myriad medical expenses, prescriptions, durable medical equipment and therapies that insurance will not cover. They help the children of NYPD Officers reach their fullest potential whenever possible. Visit them at www.nypdwawo.org for more information.

Hi my name is Julie DeCastro. I'm 50 years old and I'm from Whitestone, Queens. My dad was a NYC police officer killed in the line of duty in 1981. Over the 42 years I've seen multiple foundations raise money for the Survivors of the shield to ensure our families were cared for. It has always been a dream of mine to run in the NYC Marathon and now have been given the opportunity to fulfill my dream, I want to give back by running for the NYPD with Arms Wide Open Organization. This Foundation raises funds to support Law Enforcement officer's families with special needs and medically complex children. Your contributions will go directly to LEO families who express a need to the organization.

Thank you so much for your Support. See you all at the finish line.

God Bless Always,

Julie DeCastro

Hello! My name is Meredith McMillen and I am so excited to be running the NYC Marathon this year for the first time NYPD With Arms Wide Open!

I have three kids, ages 9, 7 and 4 and my husband Ed was a Detective with the NYPD for 21 years. Our oldest son, Teddy, was born with Down Syndrome and a congenital heart defect. I started distance running later in life as a positive outlet for daily stress and that has landed me in a marathon!

NYPD With Arms Wide Open is an organization that is near and dear to our hearts for many reasons. They are a fantastic resource for parents of kids with disabilities and the amount they give back to the community is unmatched. I am THRILLED to have the opportunity to run for this charity and raise funds so that they may continue their mission of helping others.

Please consider donating to their cause, 100% of these proceeds go directly to them and the families they serve. Thank you for your support and consideration!

More information about NYPD With Arms Wide Open: With Arms Wide Open is a 501(c)3 Foundation that assists NYPD Police Officers of all ranks (active and retired) that have medically complex and special needs children. WAWO provides financial assistance for myriad medical expenses, prescriptions, durable medical equipment and therapies that insurance will not cover. They help the children of NYPD Officers reach their fullest potential whenever possible. Visit their website for further details

My name is Ashley Blom and this is my first time running the NYC full marathon. I ran the NYC half marathon on 3/19/2023 and it was such an amazing experience. I immediately decided that I wanted to run the NYC full marathon and at the same time I wanted to find a charity that makes a difference in people’s lives.

A family friend referred me to, NYPD With Arms Wide Open. This is a charity that provides support for cops of all ranks and their families with special needs children. NYPD With Arms Wide Open provides group meetings with doctors, special needs lawyers, physical therapists and equipment representatives to help all the members with any needs they may have. They have helped many members with medical equipment, such as customized bicycles with hand pedals and motorized wheelchairs often not covered by insurance.

I am a special education teacher, and this is a full circle moment for me. This charity was put in my path for a reason. The only source of funding for With Arms Wide Open is donations and fundraising. I look forward to raising money for such a wonderful organization.

Find out more about NYPD With Arms Wide Open on their website www.nypdwawo.org