Team Imagine Raises More Than $23,000 Through the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon

Team Imagine made an extraordinary impact at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, raising more than $23,000 to support grieving children and families served by Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss. Thanks to the dedication of five remarkable runners, the team not only surpassed its fundraising goals but also brought powerful stories of love, healing, and remembrance to the course.

This year’s team included New Jersey residents Luca Mostello and Andrew Fuchs, Emma Canedo of South Carolina, Gwyneth Bishara of New York City, and Nick Richards of Maryland. Each ran with purpose, carrying with them the memories of loved ones and the mission of ensuring no child should ever grieve alone.

For many runners, the marathon became far more than a race. It became a space for reflection and connection. Emma Canedo, whose race experience was deeply connected to the loss of her sister Kayla, shared a reflection that captures the heart of the team’s journey:

“I have never experienced anything like this race in my life — I am absolutely in awe! I keep tearing up thinking about how grateful I am to have been part of the community that took on those miles, especially on Team Imagine. Being on this team gave me space to really remember her and allow myself to feel the hurt of that loss, but also the joy of having an experience that she would have been so proud of. When miles got hard, I often caught myself thinking of my teammates, the families at Imagine, and their loved ones that they've lost… it truly carried me through those miles.”

One moment from the race left her especially moved. Near mile 23–24 in Central Park, what some may refer to as the most challenging miles of a marathon, Emma spotted two of Kayla’s closest friends—who did not know she was running and did not know each other would be there—standing on the sidelines cheering.

“Somehow even in that sea of people we saw each other in the crowd. For as sweaty as I was, I got chills! I knew Kayla was with me then helping me to the finish line!”

Stories like Emma’s reflect the heart of Team Imagine and of Imagine itself—a community of people who show up for one another, honor memories, and move forward together with purpose.

Imagine is deeply grateful to this year’s runners and to every donor who helped make this achievement possible. Funds raised will directly support Imagine’s free peer-support groups and programming for children and families coping with loss.

Imagine will find out if they are granted bibs for the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon in January. Those interested in applying to run on behalf of Team Imagine may visit imaginenj.org/marathon beginning in mid-January for updated information.

Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss is a 501c3 that offers training and education on loss and grief to the community and free year-round grief support groups for children ages 3-18 and young adults 19-30 who are coping with a loss due to death. Concurrently, support groups are available for the parents and caregivers of the children in the groups and offered in English and Spanish. Imagine has centers in Newark and Mountainside and offers virtual groups as well. For more information, please contact Imagine at 908-264-3100 or info@imaginenj.org or visit our website at www.imaginenj.org.