First Candle was named an official charity partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, according to Wilton resident Alison Jacobson, the executive director of First Candle. It is one of more than 350 official charity partners approved to be part of the race, which will take place on Sunday, Nov. 4.
First Candle is the national non-profit committed to ending SIDS and accidental suffocation while providing comfort and support to parents who have lost a baby to these issues as well as stillbirth and miscarriage. Last year, their team was comprised of people who have been touched by these tragedies and want to help bring awareness. SIDS is still the leading cause of death for infants one month to one year of age.
“First Candle is thrilled to be named as an official charity partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon,” Jacobson says. “The TCS New York City Marathon provides a unique platform for our dedicated runners to pursue their goals while raising awareness for causes that are close to their hearts. We are proud to support them on their journey to the iconic finish line as they raise important funds to help us in our endeavor to educate parents and caregivers on reducing the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related infant deaths while providing bereavement support to the 27,000 families who tragically lose a baby every year.”
“We are proud to welcome First Candle to our official charity partner program for the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon,” says Christine Burke, vice president of runner products and services for New York Road Runners. “Participants in our official charity partner program are able to reach their goal of running 26.2 miles across New York City while directly impacting causes that are important to them through their fundraising efforts. We are inspired by their commitment and wish them the best of luck as they begin their amazing journey to the TCS New York City Marathon.”
Runners interested in participating as a fundraiser for First Candle can apply online.