Team FPWR Takes on the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon

This year’s Team FPWR roster is something special.

Our 2026 runners come from all over the country and are running for daughters, cousins, sisters, friends, nieces, and aunts impacted by Prader-Willi syndrome and Schaaf-Yang syndrome. Among them is an athlete living with PWS who has already completed both the Boston Marathon and an IRONMAN, continuing to challenge expectations with every mile.

From grassroots family fundraisers to first-time marathoners and seasoned runners alike, this team is united by the belief that research changes lives.

The energy around this group is electric, so let's meet 'em!

Rebekah Bolzman
Dayton, OH

Running the New York City Marathon has long been a dream for Rebekah, and now she’s chasing that dream with an even greater purpose.

Rebekah is running for her cousin Fiona, whose PWS diagnosis inspired her to get involved with FPWR. She’s proud to dedicate every mile to Fiona and help fund research that brings hope to families navigating PWS.

Allie Danese
Davidson, NC

Allie is running for her sister, Olivia, and the bond they’ve shared through every stage of life.

By joining Team FPWR, Allie is using the NYC Marathon to raise awareness, support research, and celebrate the love and connection that make families strong.

Finn Schneider
Middlebury, VT

Finn is running to show the world what’s possible while living with Prader-Willi syndrome.

After completing both the Boston Marathon and an IRONMAN, Finn is now taking on the NYC Marathon with Team FPWR, continuing to challenge expectations and inspire everyone around him. Every mile he runs is proof that individuals with PWS are capable of incredible things.

Joullian Lofton
Atlanta, GA

Joullian is running for her dear friend Malcolm, who has been part of her life since high school.

For Joullian, the NYC Marathon is a way to celebrate friendship, show up for Malcolm, and support research that makes a difference.

Jim Steel
Maple Grove, MN

Jim is running in support of Ella Capobianco and the entire PWS community.

Through Team FPWR, he’s taking on the challenge of the NYC Marathon to help raise awareness and fund research that brings new possibilities to Ella and her friends living with PWS.

George Kakalos
Merrick, NY

George is running in memory of Samantha Eliades, whose life was filled with laughter, music, travel, and love.

Inspired by Samantha’s bright spirit and the mission of the Like A Daisy Foundation created in her honor, George is proud to support FPWR and raise awareness for Prader-Willi syndrome.

Jack Finn
Chicago, IL

Jack is running for Emma, whose strength and perseverance inspire everyone lucky enough to know her.

As he takes on the NYC Marathon with Team FPWR, Jack is proud to raise awareness for Schaaf-Yang syndrome and support research that brings hope to families navigating rare genetic conditions every day.

Ida Bueno
Uvalde, TX

Ida is fiercely devoted to creating a brighter future for her daughter, Alayah.

Alongside her sister Jenny, Ida has rallied her community behind Team FPWR through heartfelt grassroots fundraisers, from local raffles to homemade enchilada plate sales. Every mile she runs is powered by love for Alayah and determination to support PWS research.

Jenny Cantu
Uvalde, TX

Jenny is running alongside her sister Ida in honor of her niece, Alayah, and families impacted by Prader-Willi syndrome.

From cheering on fundraisers to training side-by-side for race day, Jenny is running to show Alayah that she has an entire family and community behind her every step of the way.

Alexandra Logerfo
Bernardsville, NJ

Alexandra is running for her Aunt Marianne, who lives with Prader-Willi syndrome, and has shaped her understanding of perseverance, family, and compassion.

As a molecular genetics PhD, Alexandra sees firsthand how powerful research can be. She’s proud to combine her love of science and running through Team FPWR, turning every mile of the NYC Marathon into momentum for families impacted by PWS.

Payton Fuller
Washington, DC

Payton is running for her Aunt Brooke, whose journey with PWS has deeply shaped and inspired her family.

Seeing how advances in care and understanding have transformed Brooke’s quality of life showed Payton the real impact research can have. She’s proud to run the NYC Marathon to help create that same hope for others living with PWS.

Courtney Irving
Greenland, NH

Courtney is running for her cousin Richie, whose humor, resilience, and personality have long been a special part of her family.

She’s also honoring the memory of Richie’s parents, Sue and Dick, whose fierce advocacy and unconditional love left a lasting impact on everyone around them. Every mile Courtney runs is a tribute to their legacy.

Katie DeSimone
Long Island, NY

Katie is running for her cousin Vincent, a funny, warm-hearted 15-year-old who has a way of making everyone around him smile.

Inspired by Vincent’s positivity and the joy he brings to her family, Katie is proud to run the NYC Marathon in his honor while supporting FPWR’s mission to advance research for individuals living with PWS.

Stephan Wheeler
Nashville, TN

Stephen is running for his niece, Sofie, and for the families working every day to navigate the challenges of PWS.

By joining Team FPWR, Stephen is turning his miles into meaningful support for the researchers and scientists working toward better treatments and brighter futures.

Daniel Dreyfus
Astoria, NY

Daniel is running with Team FPWR because he believes small actions can create meaningful change when people come together.

By taking on the NYC Marathon, he hopes to raise awareness, support groundbreaking research, and stand beside the families navigating PWS every day.

Gineth Mendez-Yibirin
Coral Springs, FL

Gineth is running in honor of Katie, the daughter of close friends who opened her heart to the PWS community.

She’s honored to take on the NYC Marathon with Team FPWR, using every mile to raise awareness, support research, and stand beside families impacted by rare disorders.

Inspired by Team FPWR marathoners?

You don’t have to run a marathon to make a difference. Every fundraiser, donation, and act of advocacy helps accelerate research and bring hope to families living with PWS and SYS.

Find your way to get involved and join the movement.