We’re excited to introduce you to the amazing humans who ran the TCS New York City Marathon Nov. 3rd. They not only completed the journey but raised nearly $100,000 (the most of any of our marathon teams)! Find out who ran in honor of us and what it meant to take this journey, literally and metaphorically, for them. You can still support them here! Inspired to run a race on our behalf? Sign up for the 2025 NYC Half Marathon being held on March 16, 2025.
David Cummins
I lost my dad, Marc, to cancer when I was 22. He was both my best friend and role model. Experiencing loss at an early age taught me the importance of a support system. After learning about Experience Camps, I was inspired by the positive impact the organization can have on someone’s life. Experience Camps helps provide support to kids at a time when they need it most. Please support me as I run the NYC Marathon for this amazing cause.
Hannah Fruchtman
I can’t wait to run my first marathon this November! I was never really much of a runner until I ran a half marathon a few years ago in support of AACR and accidentally made it a part of my personality. I live in New York City and watch the marathon every year, manifesting that one day I’d actually do it. After learning about Experience Camp’s mission supporting the cause felt like a no brainer. As someone who’s been lucky enough to know and experience the power of camp, I’m so excited to be able to help give any child who wants to experience that the opportunity to do so!
Jilly Leibovitch
I’m Jilly, and this will be my first marathon. I had the chance to volunteer at Experience Camps in Michigan this summer, and I can’t believe I let so many years go by before discovering the incredible organization that is Experience Camps. When I’m not diving into my new hobby of running, you can usually find me on the Upper East Side: at my local coffee shop sketching, in a cozy restaurant savoring a grilled cheese, or at the gym (where I’m attempting to work out). Excited to support such a meaningful cause and push my limits!
Zach Leibovitch
My name is Zachary, and I am running the NYC Marathon for the 2nd time on behalf of Experience Camps! WOOHOO! As a three-time volunteer in Georgia, I can tell you firsthand that these kids are truly special. Their resiliency and bravery are unmatched. When the opportunity came to support these kids through the marathon, I didn’t hesitate for a moment. I am incredibly honored to run for these kids and raise awareness for this amazing organization.
Allison Moore
I am beyond excited to be running the New York City Marathon for Experience Camps! I lost my dad in the beginning of 2020, and my world was completely flipped upside down; that is until I found Experience Camps. This organization has changed my life and my grief journey entirely, and I cannot think of a better reason to run 26.2 miles. I am so excited to run every step in honor of my dad and the best place ever!
Jessica Ortsman
My name is Jessica Ortsman, a fourth-level doctoral candidate in Hofstra University’s School-Community program. Inspired by my mother, a seasoned marathoner, I embarked on my own marathon journey, driven by a meaningful cause. Growing up at sleepaway camp, I deeply understand the enduring friendships and treasured memories that one can create, fueling my passion for making a difference.
Bailey Otto
I am so grateful for the opportunity to run my first marathon and represent Experience Camps, an organization that holds a special place in my heart. By race day I will have spent three summers with ExCamps and I can only describe what happens at camp as magic and truly healing. This run is more than a physical challenge; it’s a tribute to my father, whose memory continues to inspire and guide me. This marathon is for him, my campers and for everyone who has lost a loved one. LET’S DO THIS!
Zoë Schopick
My name is Zoë, and I am so excited to run for Experience Camps! I am a high school math teacher in Colorado. I started running in middle school cross country and fell in love with it. I have been running on and off since then, but my favorite form of exercise is Crossfit which has really helped in my marathon training. When I am not teaching or exercising, I love spending time outside with my dog Chewy as well as baking pretty much anything. This is my first marathon and I am nervous, but excited to run for such a great organization!
Emma Stern
I’m Emma, and I’m so excited to run my first ever marathon for Experience Camps! It’s been an honor to train and fundraise over the past 8 months for such an incredible and impactful cause. This past summer was my first year as a cabin counselor for Experience Camps in Maryland. We had an incredible week together laughing, playing, grieving, and remembering our speical people. It was a true joy to see my campers, with each passing day, become more empowered to share their stories and grief with their peers. I am so glad to have been part of the ExCamps magic this summer, which has helped me stay motivated to keep fundraising and training hard for the big day and of course FTK. Can’t wait!
Justin Weidenfeld
In 2018, my dad died of a heart attack at the age of 52. I was 21. That first year there were tears, pain, and unknowns. Going back to school, I felt lonely on my grief journey until a close friend told me to come volunteer at Experience Camps. At camp in 2019, I experienced joy, laughter through loss, and hope that as long as I/we put one foot in front of the other everything was going to be alright. Six years later I serve as the Georgia Boys Camp Program Director. As someone who doesn’t classify myself as a runner, I am running the 2024 NYC Marathon for Experience Camps to push myself beyond my limits once again, and to prove to anyone who says “I can’t get through this” that they can get through anything they set their mind to.
Dan Wolfson
I am running the marathon in memory of my mom Judy, who would probably be shocked that I’m doing this! Having been involved with Experience Camps since our first summer in 2009, I’ve worn a lot of hats within the organization over the years, but being on our marathon team will be the most challenging role so far. After serving as Clinical Director at Experience Camps in Pennsylvania for the past decade, I now oversee the Adult Grief Retreat weekend (shout out to FTA). ExCamps has been a deeply meaningful part of my life both personally and professionally, and I’m honored to proudly represent my mom and all of the other loved ones we light candles for when I hit the road for 26.2 in November.
