Every mile tells a story of strength, resilience, and hope for a future without lupus.
Every year, runners from around the globe gather in New York City to take on the legendary 26.2-mile course of the TCS New York City Marathon. This year, the Lupus Foundation of America is an official charity partner of the marathon, with an inspiring team of athletes joining us to run not only for themselves, but also for the millions of lupus warriors and their loved ones, raising awareness and funds for lupus research, education, and support programs along the way. Each runner has a powerful story of resilience, advocacy, and dedication to the cause.
Here are the stories behind our 2025 marathon team:
Andrew Tseng – New York, New York
For Andrew, this marathon is deeply personal. He is running in honor of his younger sister, who lives with lupus. After growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Andrew now proudly calls New York home, and running the city’s iconic marathon while raising funds for lupus research and advocacy is an experience he knows he will carry for a lifetime. This will be Andrew’s second marathon, but his first time taking on the NYC course.
“I’m running for my sister. To run a marathon in the city I’ve been lucky to call home while supporting lupus research and advocacy is an experience I’ll cherish for a lifetime.”
Carolina Ramirez – New York, New York
Carolina’s journey to the marathon is fueled by love for her brother, who inspires her daily with his strength in battling lupus. A former Miami resident now living in New York, Carolina is running her very first marathon. Her mission is to raise awareness, drive donations, and honor not only her brother but all lupus warriors fighting a battle that is often invisible. Having completed a half-marathon in the past, she is ready to take the next step in her running journey with 26.2 miles through the city streets.
“This is for my brother, and for the millions fighting a battle most can’t see.”
Dan Walmer – Wilmington, Delaware
Dan’s story is one of resilience and triumph. Before his lupus diagnosis and kidney failure in 2017, Dan had completed 42 marathons, including the NYC Marathon in 2009. Lupus and its treatments, including a battle with cancer, forced him away from the sport he loved. Now, with both lupus and cancer in remission, Dan is lacing up once again — nearly a decade later. His goal is to run for those who cannot, honoring lives touched and taken by lupus, while proving that strength and determination can carry him across the finish line once more.
“With both lupus and cancer in remission, I am running for those who cannot. Excited to stomp out lupus 26.2 miles at a time!”
Judi Blatt Nichols – Plainview, New York
Running the New York City Marathon has been a dream years in the making for Judi. Living with lupus herself, she has dedicated the past seven years to running, and this year alone completing nine New York Road Runners races to secure her spot in the marathon. For Judi, the opportunity to finally run NYC while supporting the Lupus Foundation of America makes the experience even more meaningful. This will be both her first New York City Marathon and her first full marathon, a milestone she is determined to achieve with purpose.
“I’ve always wanted to run the New York City Marathon, and being able to do it in support of the Lupus Foundation of America makes it even more meaningful.”
The Lupus Foundation of America is proud to have Andrew, Carolina, Dan, and Judi as our inaugural runners in one of the world’s greatest marathons. Every mile they run is a step forward in raising awareness, fundraising to drive our mission forward, and supporting people affected by lupus. Together, with their dedication and the encouragement of our community, we are closer to a world without lupus.
Learn more about our marathon team and how you can support them at lupus.org/start-a-fundraiser/tcs-new-york-city-marathon.
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