LiveOnNY Foundation, Inc

My Story:

Hi! I’m Kiara Donovan, a recent graduate nurse from Northeastern University and a passionate runner. I’m thrilled to be running in the November 2025 NYC Marathon, a lifelong goal of mine! After completing the 2024 San Diego Marathon and three half marathons, I’m taking on this next challenge in support of the LiveOnNY Foundation. Running has always pushed me to be stronger, and nursing has taught me the power of showing up for others. This year, I’m combining both passions to raise awareness and funds for organ, eye, and tissue donation. This cause reflects my commitment to helping others live fuller, healthier lives.

Why LiveOnNY?:

I’m running in support of the LiveOnNY Foundation, whose mission is to promote, advance, and inspire organ, eye, and tissue donation in New York. Working in various hospitals, I’ve seen firsthand how organ donation can save lives and bring hope to patients and families in crisis. LiveOnNY’s work aligns deeply with everything I believe in — compassion, education, access to care, and giving people a second chance at life.

My Marathon Mission:

This race isn’t just about crossing the finish line — it’s about honoring those who’ve given the gift of life, supporting those still waiting, and raising awareness for the life-saving power of donation. I’m running for patients, families, and communities impacted by transplant care, and to amplify the mission of LiveOnNY across every mile.

How You Can Help:

Every donation helps LiveOnNY continue its work to educate, support, and serve New York’s diverse transplant community. By giving, you’re not just helping me reach my fundraising goal you’re helping save lives!

Thank you so much for your support!

Hey everyone, I’m Ryan! This year, I’m running the NYC Marathon, and I’m doing it to support a cause that’s close to my heart. I’m proud to run in support of the LiveOn NY Foundation and the meaningful change they bring to people’s lives.

The core mission of LiveOn NY is to increase the number of lives saved in New York by raising awareness, providing public and medical education, and supporting both donor and recipient families through the transplant journey. Their work ensures that more people receive the gift of life, by advocating for organ donation and providing essential resources.

Your support helps save lives by funding education, innovative projects, and providing vital support to donor and recipient families during their transplant journey.

Thank you for being part of this mission and giving the gift of life.

Jon and Chase's 5 borough ride to support Organ Donation.

Join the Movement of Saving Lives through the donations of New Yorkers.

Hello!

My name is Samantha Dove, and I’m thrilled to share my upcoming journey with you! As a dedicated nurse with extensive experience in cardiac surgery critical care, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of organ donation on patients' lives. This year, I am taking my passion for saving lives beyond the hospital walls by running in the New York City Marathon on November 3, 2024, to raise funds for LiveOnNY - a charity committed to saving lives through eye, tissue, and organ donation.

My Story:

I’ve had the privilege of working in cardiac surgery critical care during my nursing career, where I’ve seen patients at their most vulnerable. I have witnessed the profound difference that a healthy heart or healthy lungs can make, especially when it comes from a generous donor. Organ donation isn’t just about giving someone a second chance at life; it’s about giving families more time together, creating new memories, and fostering hope where there was once despair.

Why LiveOnNY?:

LiveOnNY is a charity close to my heart because of its unwavering commitment to saving lives through organ donation. They work tirelessly to educate the public, support donor families, and ensure that organs are matched with those in dire need. Their efforts not only save lives but also bring comfort and solace to grieving families, knowing that their loved one’s legacy lives on.

My Marathon Mission:

Running a marathon is no small feat, but the challenge is nothing compared to the battles that many patients face while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. On November 3, 2024, I will lace up my running shoes and join thousands of other runners in the New York City Marathon. Every step I take will be dedicated to the patients and families who are counting on the generosity of donors to give them a second chance.

How You Can Help:

I invite you to join me in supporting LiveOnNY by donating to my fundraising campaign. Your contributions will directly support organ donation initiatives, public education campaigns, and the critical work of matching donors with recipients. Every dollar counts and brings us one step closer to saving more lives.

Together, we can make a difference. By supporting my marathon run for LiveOnNY, you are not only helping to save lives but also honoring the incredible spirit of those who give the gift of life through organ donation. Let’s create a world where no one has to wait for a second chance at life. .

Thank you for being a part of this life-saving mission. Together, we can run, donate, and inspire hope for countless families. Let’s make every step count!

I am so excited to share that I will be running in my first marathon on November 3, 2024. Not only is running in the New York City Marathon a once in a lifetime experience, but it also grants me the opportunity to raise money for a charity that saves thousands of lives, including a few that are close to my heart.

In addition to the $1,065 already raised, I'm continuing to fundraise to reach my goal of $3,000 to benefit LiveOnNY. Please join me in making a difference as any donation will help make an impact! Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. *All previous donations made to the link below are accounted for and count towards my overall goal*

https://gofund.me/d2898ce5

"We all have a role in ending the wait list...last year, more than 1,000 organs were transplanted thanks to the selfless acts of organ donors in the greater New York area — a record — but the urgency remains, and the work is far from done."

https://www.liveonny.org/

I am honored to be running the TCS NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 3rd for the second time. When I ran in 2018, I was fortunate enough to gain my entry via the "lottery" system. This year, I will be earning my entry by running for something so important and meaningful. I am running as part of Team LiveOnNY. My 26.2 miles will be run in memory of the beautiful Lauren Marks.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Lauren. However, I followed her story through my best running friend Becky and her husband, Matt. While Lauren was waiting for a necessary heart transplant, Matt was her transplant coordinator. She received her new heart in 2021, which was exciting news for Lauren, her husband, and her daughter. Unfortunately, even though Lauren was armed with a wonderful donor's heart, she lost her battle and passed away in November of 2023. Although our paths never crossed, I have heard stories of Lauren's strength, resilience, and kindness. Her final act of selflessness was becoming an organ donor herself through LiveOnNY in order to save the lives of others.

Please help me help others through organ donation. I am running to raise funds for the LiveOnNY Foundation. This amazing organization helps save lives by providing education about organ and tissue donation. LiveOnNY Foundation also supports transplant patients and donor families as well.

I greatly appreciate any and all contributions to this fantastic cause. Together, we can all make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you so much!

Join Rodrigo (Papa), Justin, and me as three (3) generations come together to run the 2024 NYC Marathon for a cause close to our hearts. Rodrigo, a seasoned marathoner, is running his 20th NYC marathon, James is on his 9th, and Justin is tackling his very first NYC Marathon. Together, we are raising funds for LiveOnNY, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting organ and tissue donation to help New York live on. Follow our inspiring journey as we run for a purpose greater than ourselves, personifying the enduring values of unity and altruism that flows seamlessly through the generations.

On November 3, I'll be running the TCS NYC Marathon with Team LiveOnNY. I'll be running in memory of Lauren Marks, someone I truly admired. I was fortunate enough to meet Lauren through my husband. He was her transplant coordinator and worked with her while she was awaiting a heart transplant. My family rooted for her, cheered for her, cried for her, and thought of her during her journey. In 2021, my husband was fortunate enough to give Lauren “the call” that it was her turn to receive a heart. Lauren continued to be an ambassador for LiveOnNy for those awaiting transplant. She was a model of strength, love, and selflessness. I was fortunate to meet Lauren, her husband, and their daughter at her first “heartiversary” celebration. We made a deal that when she felt well again, we would run together. Sadly, this past November, Lauren's journey was cut short, and she was taken from us too soon. Even in her death, Lauren remained a hero by giving the gift of life to others through organ donation. Lauren and I never got our run together, but when I toe the line on November 3, I know she’ll be with me. I’m excited about honoring Lauren’s life, her love for her family, the gift she has given to others, and helping raise awareness about organ donation.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit LiveOnNY Foundation, Inc, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about LiveOnNY Foundation, Inc: To Promote, Advance And Inspire Organ, Eye And Tissue Donation In New York By Raising And Deploying Charitable Contributions For Education And Foundation Grants Which Will Make A Meaningful Difference For New York's Diverse Transplant Community, Including Those Who Have Received And Those Waiting For Precious Life-Saving Organs.

More information about LiveOnNY Foundation, Inc: To Promote, Advance And Inspire Organ, Eye And Tissue Donation In New York By Raising And Deploying Charitable Contributions For Education And Foundation Grants Which Will Make A Meaningful Difference For New York's Diverse Transplant Community, Including Those Who Have Received And Those Waiting For Precious Life-Saving Organs.

On February 25, 2019, my daughter Victoria McDonnell suffered a fatal brain bleed from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) at 26. Victoria died as a hero by being an organ donor. I'm running the NYC Marathon to honor Victoria’s life and bring awareness to the need and importance of organ donation. All proceeds will go to the LiveOnNY Foundation to help organ donors and recipient families.

You can make a difference by donating today to Liveonny Foundation.

To Promote, Advance And Inspire Organ, Eye And Tissue Donation In New York By Raising And Deploying Charitable Contributions For Education, Research And Foundation Grants, Which Will Make A Meaningful Difference For New York's Diverse Transplant Community, Including Those Who Have Received And Those Waiting For Precious Life-Saving Organs.

You can make a difference by donating today to Liveonny Foundation.

To Promote, Advance And Inspire Organ, Eye And Tissue Donation In New York By Raising And Deploying Charitable Contributions For Education And Foundation Grants Which Will Make A Meaningful Difference For New York's Diverse Transplant Community, Including Those Who Have Received And Those Waiting For Precious Life-Saving Organs.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit LiveOnNY Foundation, Inc, by riding in the "40 Mile 5 Boro Bike Tour" and any donation will help make an impact Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. My son, Joseph, received a life saving heart transplant in September of 2022.

More information about LiveOnNY Foundation, Inc: To Promote, Advance And Inspire Organ, Eye And Tissue Donation In New York By Raising And Deploying Charitable Contributions For Education And Foundation Grants Which Will Make A Meaningful Difference For New York's Diverse Transplant Community, Including Those Who Have Received And Those Waiting For Precious Life-Saving Organs. If you are not already signed up to be an organ donor, kindly consider registering to be organ donor . Thank you.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit LiveOnNY Foundation by riding in the "40 Mile 5 Boro Bike Tour"on May5th and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me as my son, Joseph, received a life saving heart transplant.

More information about LiveOnNY Foundation, Inc: To Promote, Advance And Inspire Organ, Eye And Tissue Donation In New York By Raising And Deploying Charitable Contributions For Education And Foundation Grants Which Will Make A Meaningful Difference For New York's Diverse Transplant Community, Including Those Who Have Received And Those Waiting For Precious Life-Saving Organs.

If you aren't already an Organ Donor, please consider it!!