With Arms Wide Open

Hello, my name is Brian and I’m a married father of 3 boys, twins Jake and Peyton, and Brendan. My wife Christina and I live in Massapequa, and I was a NYPD Police Officer for 20 years. I started running a few years ago and this 2025 will be my 6th TCS NYC Marathon.

I have run in the past with the NYPD Runners Club, and I have truly loved the accomplishment of running a marathon as a great personal achievement. But after meeting Merritt Riley and his Aidan, and reading about NYPD With Arms Wide Open, I realized I can be a part of something that is bigger then my own personal achievement and actually make a difference in someone’s life.

Want to join me in making a difference? Your donations will help make an impact to my fellow NYPD families!

NYPD With Arms Wide Open is a 501(c)3 Foundation that assists NYPD Police Officer of all ranks, active and retired that have special needs and medically complex children. They assist with offsetting medical costs, medical devices, therapies and accessible modifications to the home. As there are no costs passed along to families who express a need for aide, fundraising and volunteerism are their only sources of giving. Find out more at www.nypdwdawo

Hey everyone - I’m Kenny Silva, a firefighter currently serving as a Deputy Chief with the Somerville, MA Fire Department and a proud Reading, MA resident. This year, I am running the NYC Marathon, and raising money for an incredible cause: NYPD With Arms Wide Open.

They’re a 501(c)3 non-profit that helps NYPD families who have children with special needs and medical complexities - offering therapy, financial support, and programs that make a real difference in their lives.

A fellow firefighter introduced me to the charity - someone who has personally experienced what these families go through. After hearing his story, and learning more about what this organization does, I knew I wanted to step up and be a part of it.

Although our friends in law enforcement don’t share the same cooking skills or the ability to have some “downtime” during the workday, we still share the same struggles when it comes to work/family related issues that oftentimes require a little help from our brothers and sisters in uniform.

I am committed to raising $4,000 to run the NYC Marathon, and I would be incredibly grateful for anything you can give. Every little bit helps, and 100% of all funds raised go toward helping the children and families of NYPD With Arms Wide Open.

Thanks for the support! I’ll be thinking of you all during those 26.2 miles!!

Hi everyone! My name is Nicole Anthony, and I am running the New York City Marathon for an incredible cause, With Arms Wide Open. The mission of this organization is to provide a forum where cops of all ranks, and their families, can attend meetings and discuss issues surrounding being the parents/ guardians/caretakers of a child with special needs. This organization was formed to create a community for cops and their families with special needs children.

I would like to share a little bit about myself and why I so honored and proud to be running the New York City Marathon this year. This marathon will be my 4th marathon, 3rd NYC since I ran my first NYC marathon in 2008. I currently live in Massachusetts with my husband, Chris and two kids, Emilia (8) and Oliver (3). Prior to having kids, running was a big part of my life and ran the following marathons:

• NYC in 2008 for Children with Cancer, a UK based Charity

• Boston in 2011 for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

• NYC in 2014 as an individual runner

Running has always been an important part of my life because of both the mental and physical benefits. I moved to NYC after I graduated college in 2007 and the atmosphere on the day of the marathon is nothing I ever experienced, it was electric. It was then I decided to run my first marathon and because I had lived in England from 1994 – 2003 I had a connection to Children with Cancer as I volunteered with the charity during High School. After I ran NYC in 2014 I said I would not run another marathon again, but I am turning 40 on December 29, 2025 and have decided I want to commit to training and running one more, #4before40. The decision to run another marathon has not been taken lightly as I know what it takes to properly train for a marathon. Over the past few years, I have gone through some challenging times and last year, I made a goal for myself to start running again and was fortunate enough to get into the Disney ½ marathon, which I ran on January 11th, 2025 and so excited that I will also be running the Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge, which is a 5K, 10K, ½ Marathon and Full Marathon in January 2026

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.

Hi, my name is Peyton and I’m a 20 year old college student excited to run my first TCS NYC marathon. My father is a retired NYPD Police Officer and has ran the NYC Marathon a few times. After seeing how accomplished he feels after completing a marathon, it has made me want to join him.

I recently learned about NYPD With Arms Wide Open and realized that I can do more than just run for a self achievement - I can be apart of something bigger with a greater cause. I’m excited to launch this GoFundMe campaign to support With Arms Wide Open, a remarkable organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the NYPD community. Their work touches countless lives, and I believe together, we can help them continue their vital mission.

Find out more about 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