ONE MORE SHOT, 40!

Hi! My name is Robin Halperin-Kornfeld Kantor and I am running the NYC 2022 Marathon on November 6th! I am running for SO many reasons. First, and foremost, in gratitude for turning 40 and being able to run a marathon (which I've never done before)! With that, I am also honoring the mentors and people in my life that made me the woman, mother, wife, and leader I am today.

The number chai (18) is a lucky number in my faith. My goal is to raise 40 times chai times 10 for 6 charities (totalling $7,200). Each charity represents a person or event that has led me to this point in my life.

American Brain Tumor Association: When I was 13, my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor. A doctor told him he had six months to live. Nope! My dad participated in a clinical trial at Massachusetts General hospital in 1996. The doctor's bravery, heroism and research have kept my father in my life for 26 MORE years. He saw me graduate high school and college, walked me down the aisle for my wedding, and met his grandchildren to date! Without the work of the ABTA and FBTA I would have very different memories of the last 40 years. ABTA gave me father (and I) ONE MORE SHOT at life! And I've been living that way every day since.

Planned Parenthood: There isn't a charity that supports mothers who are superheroes. I promise, I've looked. The closest I can come to begin to honor my mother, the superhero of my life, is to support an organization whose mission is to ensure all people have access to the care and resources they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures. My mother has protected my father's, brother's and my body and life and ensured our futures were bright, healthy and fulfilled. No challenge was too big for her - she has climbed the "Everest" of mountains over and over again to save us all. Without her, physically and emotionally, I would not be me.

Scope: Give the gift of camp! Sleepaway camp changed my life. As a camper, it was an escape from the realities of home (see above) and a fast-paced teenage world I wasn't apt to handle. Camp protected my childhood in ways nothing else could. Fast forward 30 years, my daughter and I (and husband) still spend our summers at camp!

Andy & Wendy Siegel at Tyler Hill Camp changed my life. Under Andy's stewardship, I grew into a leader that understood when to follow; when to lead; when to ask questions; when to listen; and when to walk away. Wendy showed me how being a mom, to more than your own children, was a role I wanted to play. She helped me find my voice in educational leadership - one of meaning, understanding people, and doing it from the heart. Now I have the honor and privilege of watching my own daughter live for camp too. I can never thank them enough - so instead, I'm raising money for one of the best charities in the world: SCOPE!

The Bronx Community Foundation & Take Stock In Children : I became an educator to see the unseen children and help them unlock their true potential. I had two major education mentors in my life. Dr. Meisha Ross Porter, former Chancellor of New York City Schools and current President & CEO of The Bronx Foundation, and Dr. Glenda M. Sheffield, current Chief Academic Officer of the Palm Beach County School District. These women showed me what true leadership was in schools. Also that conviction of character and beliefs and a love for children can change a generation. Without them, I would not be the educator I am today, nor would I continue to have visions of how my career can continue to evolve to achieve my goals.

As a Team for Kids runner I received guaranteed entry to the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon. Team for Kids raises critical funds to support NYRR youth and community programs, including Rising New York Road Runners. Rising New York Road Runners - NYRR’s free youth program and events platform - helps to build students’ motivation, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life. You can help further that mission and inspire the next generation of runners and athletes by running with Team for Kids in the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon!