.png){kind=logo}
My 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Fundraising Page
Marsalis Atkins
Marsalis Atkins
Why I’m Running: From a Childhood Promise to 26.2 Miles
I’m running the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon for Team Kidney because I believe that if you have the ability to help someone, you have the obligation to do so.
A Promise Made to a Friend
My journey with the National Kidney Foundation began in a childhood classroom. My best friend, Ricky Rothberg, was born with only one functional kidney. After he underwent surgery, he came back to school and shared his story with our class. He spoke about the reality of kidney disease and the life-saving importance of organ donation.
That moment stayed with me for decades. This past year, as Ricky prepared for his wedding, I was reminded of the promise I made to myself as a kid: One day, I want to help.
Running for More Than a Medal
This marathon is the second half of a much bigger goal. I am currently on the path to becoming a living kidney donor. Having recently cleared my initial physical testing, I am deeply committed to the long journey ahead.
If I am fortunate enough to complete my donation, I want to cross the finish line in Central Park to honor those still waiting for their life-changing gift. I am running to prove that we can thrive while giving back, and to raise awareness for the millions of people fighting kidney disease every day.
The Reality of Kidney Disease
The statistics are sobering:
37 million American adults are living with kidney disease.
1 in 3 people are at risk, and many don't even know it.
1 in 7 people already have kidney disease but remain undiagnosed.
I am not okay with these numbers. By supporting my run, you are supporting the National Kidney Foundation—the organization that set the global standard for kidney care and continues to fight for better patient outcomes.
Join Me
Whether it’s $5 or $50, every donation brings us closer to a world where kidney disease is a thing of the past. Your support fuels my training and, more importantly, provides hope to the millions of patients and families relying on the NKF.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me!
I’m running the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon for Team Kidney because I believe that if you have the ability to help someone, you have the obligation to do so.
A Promise Made to a Friend
My journey with the National Kidney Foundation began in a childhood classroom. My best friend, Ricky Rothberg, was born with only one functional kidney. After he underwent surgery, he came back to school and shared his story with our class. He spoke about the reality of kidney disease and the life-saving importance of organ donation.
That moment stayed with me for decades. This past year, as Ricky prepared for his wedding, I was reminded of the promise I made to myself as a kid: One day, I want to help.
Running for More Than a Medal
This marathon is the second half of a much bigger goal. I am currently on the path to becoming a living kidney donor. Having recently cleared my initial physical testing, I am deeply committed to the long journey ahead.
If I am fortunate enough to complete my donation, I want to cross the finish line in Central Park to honor those still waiting for their life-changing gift. I am running to prove that we can thrive while giving back, and to raise awareness for the millions of people fighting kidney disease every day.
The Reality of Kidney Disease
The statistics are sobering:
37 million American adults are living with kidney disease.
1 in 3 people are at risk, and many don't even know it.
1 in 7 people already have kidney disease but remain undiagnosed.
I am not okay with these numbers. By supporting my run, you are supporting the National Kidney Foundation—the organization that set the global standard for kidney care and continues to fight for better patient outcomes.
Join Me
Whether it’s $5 or $50, every donation brings us closer to a world where kidney disease is a thing of the past. Your support fuels my training and, more importantly, provides hope to the millions of patients and families relying on the NKF.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me!
Comments