Employee Giving Stories

Team Northwell races NYC Marathon to support pediatric mental health

For the dedicated members of Team Northwell, training and conquering a marathon signifies much more than a physical challenge – it’s a way to relieve stress from the pressures of everyday life that come with working in health care, being a parent or caretaker, or balancing life at home. It’s a testament to mental resilience and an achievement that only one percent of the global population dares to undertake.   

As a proud official charity partner of the TCS New York City Marathon, Northwell Health receives special fundraising entries into the race for runners who wish to give back to the organization. Each year, hopeful Northwell employees apply to receive one of the 10 guaranteed entries into the marathon and raise funds for a Northwell program or service through our employee giving program, What Matters Most. 

We caught up with members of Team Northwell to learn more about what inspires them to make a difference in the lives of our patients – one mile at a time. Each runner has a unique motivation but with a shared purpose – to give back to Northwell and advance care for patients in our community. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, Team Northwell has raised a record-breaking $80,000 so far to support Northwell’s child and adolescent mental health programs. 

You can join their efforts and help raise awareness for pediatric mental health by making a gift to support Team Northwell before race day!

Teresa Amato, MD

For Dr. Teresa Amato, running became a life saver as she tried to work through the mental trauma of a near death experience after the birth of her last child.  

quotation mark Running became my outlet during COVID when we experienced the loss of teammates, family members and people in our community. It was one of the main things that kept me going in the toughest of times. As a physician leader and a mom, I am running with Team Northwell to show my patients, my teammates and my kids that setting a healthy challenge is important, and that Northwell gives back to the community. Running has been something that has kept me mentally and physically strong through the most clinically and professionally challenging times of my career. I am “made for this".
Teresa Amato, MD

Andrea Bianculli

Andrea Bianculli joined Northwell nine years ago and recently began serving as vice president of Ambulatory Services for Northwell’s Behavioral Health service line.  

quotation mark I started running as a young adult to manage anxiety and achieve greater focus in my days. Since then, I’ve grown my career at Northwell and now work for our health system’s Behavioral Health Service Line. What better way to train for and complete my first full marathon than with my Northwell colleagues while raising money and awareness for our work improving pediatric and adolescent behavioral health!
Andrea Bianculli

Kevin Bock, MD

This is Dr. Bock’s fourth year running with Team Northwell. He takes great pride in the challenge and joy in the journey of running a marathon.  

quotation mark “This year, I am running the New York City Marathon to support Northwell's mental health services and the teams dedicated to helping others restore peace, pride, and joy. Mental health issues have touched me, my family, and my community. Spending time in the Intensive Care Units during COVID has left an indelible mark on me. I have seen, first-hand, the healing efforts of our care teams, and I am grateful for the compassionate skills they use to help our patients.”
Kevin Bock, MD

Yuliya Buslovich

For Yuliya Buslovich, running has been a consistent outlet for her mental and physical wellbeing.  

quotation mark I am passionate about running with Team Northwell Health and raising funds for pediatric and adolescent mental health because of how integral this organization has been to me and my own mental health and well-being. Northwell has not only influenced my career growth but has given me the resources to prioritize my own physical and mental health. Mental health resources are known to be difficult to navigate, so fundraising for this incredible cause is so important for the health of our community.
Yuliya Buslovich

Glenda Cohen, MHA

As the director of Operations at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Glenda Cohen has seen first-hand the importance of having mental health programs and services for children and adolescents in our community.  

quotation mark I am running with Team Northwell Health to support the efforts of our child and adolescent mental health programs. I strongly believe that early detection and intervention are crucial to providing better lives for our children and their families.”
Glenda Cohen, MHA

Mark Devera

Mark DeVera ran the NYC Marathon with Team Northwell in 2021 and is excited to run again while proudly wearing the Northwell name. 

quotation mark Running with Team Northwell is great opportunity to give back to Northwell while experiencing one of the best races there is.
Mark DeVera

Kerry Donohue, MSN, RN, CPXP

Kerry Donohue is running with Team Northwell, to raise awareness and funds for healthcare workers, medical research, and improving access to healthcare services. 

quotation mark What better way to improve my physical well-being and mental toughness than running the NYC Marathon with team Northwell, a system that truly supports employee wellness to the fullest. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of a strong and resilient healthcare system, and I wanted to show my gratitude and support for Northwell and all the healthcare workers who have worked and continue to work tirelessly to keep our family, community, and patients safe and healthy.
Kerry Donohue, MSN, RN, CPXP

Sven Gierlinger

This will be Sven Gierlinger’s 7th time running the NYC Marathon as part of Team Northwell. Twenty-three years ago, he was completely paralyzed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and spent months in the hospital learning how to walk again.  

quotation mark I didn’t just relearn how to walk again, I’m now able to run marathons and support a great cause.

I’m excited to be supporting Northwell Health’s pediatric and adolescent behavioral health initiatives for the second year in a row. These past few years have been incredibly difficult for children and teens who have faced school closings, social isolation, missed milestones, and many other challenges. Hopefully by dedicating my run and supporting this cause, I’m helping to make a small difference in their lives.

As I run, I always think about all the people who have supported me along the way. From the healthcare workers who helped me recover from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, my friends and family who have cheered me on during every marathon, and the children and teens who will benefit from the generous support of so many. I hope that every step I take brings me closer to the goal of making a difference in the world
Sven Gierlinger

Kyle Lennon

Kyle has been a proud employee of Northwell Health for more than 15 years and is thrilled to be representing Team Northwell.  

quotation mark Running the NYC marathon has always been a goal of mine, but running for Northwell is extra special. My wife and I have been proud members of Northwell’s amazing healthcare team for over 15 years. I am so grateful for the opportunity to run this iconic race. Let’s go!!!
Kyle Lennon

Dana Montaruli

For Dana Montaruli, being a part of the Northwell team is a culmination of everything she’s done over the past three years and an accomplishment she’s excited to share with her family, especially her children. 

quotation mark When I joined Northwell at the start of the pandemic in May 2020, I was a new mom suffering from post-partum depression (PPD) and was trying to grasp how my world had abruptly and unexpectedly changed. Over the past three years, Northwell and my co-workers have become a second home. They helped me during a difficult time, and now after recently welcoming my second child, I believe the resources Northwell offers coupled with focusing on my physical well-being through running, prevented PPD and allowed me to be more present for my children.
Dana Montaruli

Daniel Sciubba, MD

Dr. Sciubba is proudly running with team Northwell as an advocate for mental health awareness.  

quotation mark Advocating for the mental health of our children and teenagers is the most important thing we can do to invest in our collective futures.
Daniel Sciubba, MD

Interested in running with Team Northwell in 2024? Contact Senior Special Events Program Manager, Courtney Rousseau.

  • There's still time to donate! Support Team Northwell Health at the TCS New York City Marathon 

  • As a proud charity partner of the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, Team Northwell has special fundraising spots available for the race on March 17, 2024. Registration opens soon! 

  • Learn more about ways to give through Northwell Health's Employee Giving Program, What Matters Most. 

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