KultureCity's Fundraisers

NYC Marathon for Accessibility and Acceptance

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Amount Raised:

$1,358 of $5,000

27%

Hi, I’m Andrea, and I’m running the NYC Marathon with KultureCity.

My mom is one of the strongest people I know. I would say one of the most notable things about her beyond the obvious is her propensity for inappropriate laughter. Like if it’s completely silent or at the worst possible moment, she’ll start laughing and can’t stop. Once you get her going, you’re done for. You will most likely start laughing too, even if you have no idea what’s funny or if nothing was ever funny in the first place. For the more obvious things, she’s incredibly empathetic, smart, and an extremely hard worker. You feel comfortable around her immediately because she has this way of making you feel seen. I can’t tell you the number of people who have approached me to tell me what an amazing job she did taking care of their family member in her former role as a hospitalist DNP.

On April 15, 2021, at 61 years old, my mom had a massive stroke impacting the left side of her cerebellum. She spent months in the ICU and inpatient rehab, then home with PT and OT. Now she goes to reformer Pilates every single week. I share this to show that she does not give up and that she has consistently made progress. We were told most stroke survivors plateau around the one year mark. But here she is almost five years later, still working to regain more independence and putting in the effort every single day. Of note, she went from a wheelchair to a walker to a rollator. This is important because when she first came home, we didn’t even know if a walker was a possibility for her.

Last month I decided to run the NYC Half Marathon at the very last minute (we’re talking a weeks notice), which everyone tried to talk me out of (to be fair I would not consider myself a runner), but not my mom. She texted me around mile 12 saying “go Ang, doing great. You gave me so much inspiration to walk with my cane.” That text made me realize that what I was doing mattered to her, and it pushed me to want to do more, not just for her, but for everyone navigating a world that wasn’t built with them in mind. It made me realize that maybe with some effort and training, inspired by my moms refusal to accept any limitations, I COULD be a runner. Which is why I decided to sign up for the NYC Marathon with KultureCity.

Here’s what I’ve realized through all of this: most of us move through the world without even considering accessibility. To be honest, before this experience with my mom, it never even crossed my mind. For my mom, and for people with autism, PTSD, dementia, and other stroke survivors, public spaces can be overwhelming, painful, or completely impossible to navigate. Crowded stores and restaurants make her anxious because of the sensory overload. She’s lost her sense of balance and proprioception, which affects how she navigates any physical space. And that’s all on top of the physical accessibility barriers she already faces.

That’s why I’m so passionate about accessibility and was honored to be selected to run with KultureCity in the 2026 marathon. They make the nevers possible, and I’ve seen that firsthand with my mom. KultureCity’s work is about making environments that work for everyone. Real accessibility starts with education and understanding. It leads to inclusion. And ultimately, acceptance.

I’m running for KultureCity because accessibility and acceptance should be something we ALL think about. Thank you for your support!

[email protected]

Andrea Cohen

Campaign

Created April 6, 2026

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Minimum Price: $10.00

Recent Donations

Sean Redden

May 19th, 2026

$500.00

Message:

We’ll be there cheering!


Loren & Joe Pepe

April 28th, 2026

$50.00

Message:

Go get 'em, Andrea! You wrote a beautiful, honest tribute about your amazing mother and her continual determination and perseverance. We see and admire her hard work and positive spirit every day! Best wishes on race day!


Sasha Zagoloff

April 16th, 2026

$50.00

Message:

Beautiful story about you and your mom!


Clare Doyle

April 16th, 2026

$50.00

Message:

Your mum has always been an inspiration to me .


Devon Unwin

April 16th, 2026

$100.00

Message:

Your mom’s strength and perseverance along with you and your family’s unwavering support is so inspiring. Thank you for your advocacy 💛


Kristy Putorti

April 16th, 2026

$25.00

Message:

Good luck, Andrea!! Your mom is an amazing woman…a true inspiration! Such a great cause!


Paula Tordonato

April 16th, 2026

$50.00

Message:

I have always admired Laura’s spirit and never quit positive attitude. You are her guardian angel Andrea. We wish only the best for you all. Love, Joe and Paula Tordonato ❤️


Susan Haviland

April 16th, 2026

$25.00

Message:

You go girl! I so love that you are doing this. I had the honor of working with your mom at RRMC years ago. She was an inspiration then and clearly continues to be!


Bonnie Mayhew

April 16th, 2026

$25.00

Message:

This is to honor your Mom, Laura. I worked at UVM Med Center on Cardio Thoracic Surgery on the same floor she worked on. I always admired the wonderful woman she is. .


Karen Correll

April 16th, 2026

$50.00

Message:

Andrea so proud of your desire to do this in honor of your Mom! You’ve got this!!


Samantha Helinski

April 15th, 2026

$50.00

Message:

This is wonderful. Have a great run for the best cause! ❤️


Lianna Murphy

April 15th, 2026

$30.00

Message:

You and your mama are both rock stars!! Keep making each other proud 💕


Anonymous

April 15th, 2026

$333.11

Message:

Race entry


Anonymous

April 8th, 2026

$20.00

Message:

First donation!!


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