Every Mile Has a Meaning: Jessica Paternoster Runs the 2026 NYC Marathon for Families in Need

Edition Five – Week Five:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

Every Mile Has a Meaning: Jessica Paternoster Runs the 2026 NYC Marathon for Families in Need

On November 1, 2026, the streets of New York City will once again become the setting for one of the world’s most iconic marathon events. Among the thousands of runners taking on 26.2 miles will be Jessica Paternoster, who is approaching the challenge with a purpose that
extends far beyond the finish line.

Jessica is running the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon while raising money for the Family & Children’s Association (FCA)—an organization that has been serving individuals and families in the community for more than a century. For Jessica, this marathon represents an opportunity to transform personal determination into community impact.

Running for Something Greater

Training for a marathon requires commitment, endurance and countless hours of preparation. But Jessica’s motivation reaches beyond the physical challenge.

On her fundraising page, she explains that every mile she runs is dedicated to FCA and the people who depend upon the organization’s programs and services. FCA works with children, families, seniors and individuals experiencing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Its services include mental health support, addiction recovery programs,
family resources and youth programs.

Jessica describes the experience of training for 26.2 miles as a challenge that has pushed her physically and mentally, while recognizing that many families face challenges every day that
extend far beyond a marathon course. That perspective has become an important part of what keeps her moving forward.

Turning Endurance Into Impact

Jessica’s campaign demonstrates how an individual goal can become an opportunity to support a much larger cause.

Her fundraising page provides examples of how donations can contribute to FCA’s work:
● $25 can help provide meals or essential resources to families in need.
● $50 can help support youth programs that provide children with safe places to grow and
learn.
● $100 can help support counseling and crisis services.
● $250 or more can help expand programs serving vulnerable children and families.

Every contribution, regardless of size, becomes part of Jessica’s marathon journey—and part of a broader effort to support people in the community.

More Than a Race

There is something particularly powerful about the idea of dedicating every mile of a marathon to someone else. A marathon has a very visible finish line. The needs facing families and individuals in difficult
circumstances, however, don’t necessarily have one.

Jessica’s campaign connects these two ideas: the personal discipline required to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and the importance of ensuring that people facing hardship have access to support, resources and a community that cares. As Jessica writes on her fundraising page, the goal is to turn every mile into something that can help change lives.

How You Can Help

Jessica has set a $4,500 personal fundraising goal for FCA. At the time of publication, she has raised $1,095 from 16 supporters, putting her at 24% of her goal. The broader FCA NYC Marathon campaign has raised more than $22,000 toward its $49,500 team goal.

There are several ways to become part of the effort.

Donate. Even a modest contribution can help Jessica move closer to her fundraising goal.

Share. If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing Jessica’s fundraising page can help introduce the campaign to someone who may be able to help.

Follow the journey.

Supporting Jessica’s marathon journey means encouraging her as she trains, prepares and ultimately takes on 26.2 miles through New York City.

The fundraising page emphasizes an important message: support doesn’t have to take only one form. A donation matters. A share matters. Encouragement matters.

One Runner. 26.2 Miles. A Community Behind Her.

Jessica Paternoster’s NYC Marathon journey is ultimately about more than running. It is about taking something personally challenging and using it as an opportunity to give back. Every training mile, every donation and every person who shares her story can help carry the
campaign forward.

On race day, Jessica will have 26.2 miles ahead of her. But behind every mile will be the people who chose to support the cause—and the children, families, seniors and individuals whose lives are touched by the work of Family & Children’s Association.

You can support Jessica Paternoster’s NYC Marathon fundraising campaign here:

Donate to Jessica Paternoster’s NYC Marathon Fundraiser
Every mile has a meaning. Help Jessica make hers count.

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