#TMFrunsNYC – Meet Our Team

Eluna is excited to once again have such a wonderful team of runners at the NYC Marathon!  Not only have each of these individuals committed to the training and endurance it takes to run a marathon, they have each also committed to supporting comfort, hope and healing for children.  We are so proud to have them on our team!

We recently asked our runners a few questions about their motivation to run and what they will be thinking about that day.  Below are their responses.

Hannah Lee (top left)

“As someone who was raised in a family with alcoholism, I empathize with the children and teens who are overcoming challenging and traumatic life experiences. I am excited to run to raise money and awareness so more children and teens can attend the camps and make connections with others and know they are not alone.”

Heather Hager (top center)

“At a recent Eluna event, a friend of mine from Australia shared with me her commitment to run the NYC Marathon.  Being a supportive friend, I told her that if I could get a bib I was in.  So when the opportunity presented itself to run for Eluna I was all in!  I can’t think of a more perfect way to honor my commitment to a friend as well as the one I’ve made to kids in need through my support of the Foundation’s mission to provide comfort, hope and healing to those affected by grief and addiction. I will be thinking of honoring the memories of those I’ve loved and lost and celebrating the lives of kids positively impacted by the Eluna’s programs.  Oh, and the finish line!”

Post Race Meal: Champagne!

Jeff Hilliard (top right)

“If running could accomplish one thing I hope people who are unaware of this wonderful foundation become aware, and those who need it most take advantage of the services offered by the Eluna.  When I run I will be thinking that I hope I don’t have to go to the bathroom.  26 miles is a long way!”

Post Race Meal:  Not much beats Little Italy… with my bride, Sheila.

Niki Rarig (bottom left)

“My dad died when I was a young child, and I can only imagine the impact a camp like this would have had on me. It was awesome to see kids bonding over their shared experiences, talking openly about their grief, and leaving feeling less isolated and alone.

I have been training for this marathon with my mom and my good friend Hannah (who is also running for Eluna). My mom is the strongest person I know. She raised me as a single mother for much of my childhood, and is such an inspiration to me. I can’t wait to run this race alongside her, and for a cause that is close to both of us.”

Sean Holmer (bottom center)

“After learning about Eluna from and all the great work that they do for kids, I thought this would be a great opportunity to help raise money for a very deserving charity.  I have been able to help raise awareness to my friends, family, and even my co-workers.  Every time I talk about running, it is always in combination with Eluna.”

Post Race Meal: “PIZZA!  Living outside of NYC, I definitely have to go with one of items NYC is famous for!”

Mary FitzGerald (bottom right)

Eluna’s own Mary Fitzgerald is part of our NYC Marathon team this year!

“Running teaches many life lessons such as perseverance, persistence and fortitude; qualities I have seen exemplified by the children and families we serve and which humble all of us to help do more. As I run, I will be thinking of all of the personal stories shared with me about loved ones who have died or are battling addiction, as well the people I am grateful for in my life.”

Favorite quote: “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”

Thank you Hannah, Heather, Jeff, Niki, Sean and Mary for the energy you have put toward this race and toward supporting comfort, hope and healing for children!

To support Eluna’s NYC Marathon team, please visit www.crowdrise.com/TheMoyerFoundationNYC2016.