My London Marathon Journey: Team Breathe
In a few short weeks, I’ll be lacing up my running shoes and taking on the London Marathon—not just for myself, but for someone who inspires me every single day.
One of my best friends has been fighting lung disease for over 20 years. If you met her, you’d never know. She doesn’t let it define her, slow her down, or dim the incredible light she brings to the world. She is the strongest person I know, radiating warmth, kindness, and resilience in ways that leave me in awe.
Her battle hasn’t been easy. It has included multiple lung transplants, visits to countless specialists
across the U.S. over the past couple of decades, and more holidays
spent in hospital rooms than anyone should ever have to endure. And
yet, through it all, she smiles.
She laughs. She lifts up everyone around her, even on the hardest days. She is
the strongest person I know—a true
fighter, a force of joy, and a reminder of what resilience looks like.
There have been so many times during training this winter when I wanted to give up. The freezing cold mornings, the long, lonely miles, the constant exhaustion—it felt like I should just quit. But every time I thought about stopping, I thought about her. She never gets to give up. She doesn’t get to take a break from the fight. And if she can face every challenge with strength and grace, then I can certainly keep running.
This race is about so much more than miles or
medals. I’m running this marathon in honor of her strength and
to support her daily fight against lung disease. Of pushing through the tough
miles the way she pushes through the hardest days—with determination, hope, and an unbreakable spirit.
I'm honored to be joining Team Breathe and thrilled to be able to say that on Sunday, April 27th my "Lungs will be on Loan" as I am Running for JJ!
Every step I take is for her and for the millions of people affected by lung disease. Every donation goes to the Asthma & Lung Foundation towards research, treatment, and support for those who need it most. If you can contribute, I’d be beyond grateful as it will help spread awareness for a cause that means the world to me.
I hope you enjoy the walk down memory lane with
the gallery below as I relive some of the special memories we’ve shared over
the past 20+ years. These moments, filled with laughter and smiles, are
a beautiful reflection of her incredible joy, strength, and the warmth she
brings to everyone around her—a reminder that nothing, big or small, can dim
her light.
This is why I'm running... even if it will end up looking like Phoebe from Friends. ☺️
Thank you to my Sponsors
£105
Claire Kostopoulos
£63
Bob Allen
We would all be lucky to have a friend like you. Go get em
£105
Linda Lombardi
This is incredibly kind of you to honor our beautiful niece, Jennifer! She is truly blessed to have you as a friend and give your support for fighting this horrible disease she has! I have so much admiration for Jenn and her courage in never giving up in the last 20yrs!! Such a wonderful tribute, God Bless you and wish you all the Best Danielle!!
£42
Kelly Acheson
Proud of you cousin! A million hugs!
£42
Lisa Walton
Sending you miles of positive energy and lots of love! You totally got this!!
£500
Charles Kilbride
Keep on fighting the good fight god bless
£42
Michael Kelly
Good Luck Danielle
£26.25
Janice Pellitteri
£63
Michael Lombardi
£77
Gary Sarro
£40
Thomas
£40
Frank Kiernan
Good luck Danielle
£23.10
John
£42
Jacqueline Dibianca/courtney D
Danielle, we love you and support your efforts. xoxoxoxo
£42
Robert Horn
Run a great race
£22
Barbara & Dan
Good luck Danielle! You are such an inspiration.
£60
Cathy Rojas Lambrianidis
What a beautiful thing to do for our Jennifer. Yes, she is our hero and our inspiration, a true warrior and fighter. Her Mom in heaven thanks you also. God bless and good luck!
£52.50
Rick Czyzak
£52.50
Rick Czyzak
£63
Bernard Whalen
£81.18
Robert Oliva
Hi I’m a very good friend of Jennifer’s dad Gary And I know Jen very well also It’s very nice that you’re doing this in her name Good luck
£15.75
Manuel Aquino
God Bless you for running this marathon for your beautiful ray of sunshine,friend!! I too, suffer from a lung disease and know it’s not easy.You both will continue to be in our prayers.God’s speed and strength always!!
£38
Bob Goodheart
Thats what good friends are for, Great work!
£105
Elizabeth Gaughan
Love you bestie! Kick ass!
£23.10
Jim Jarocki
£250
Leslie Prior
Hi Honey, I am so proud of all your hard work! Wishing JJ Healthy Happy times. You share a beautiful friendship.
£42
Louise Daconta
God bless you for doing this!
£120
Uncle Johnny, Aunt Claudine, Brianna And Chris
This is so amazing! JJ has been an inspiration to the whole family and we love her so much! Thank you for doing this and for your kind words of her. JJ has been my 'SUPERGIRL' since the day she was born!
£15
Emelia, Dean And Evan Rojas
May God bless you!
£15.75
Frankie And Gina Rojas
Good Luck with your run!
£42
Tami Rojas
£22
Mario Regina Rojas
For our dearest niece JJ the strongest person we know. Love you 💕
£40
Michael Trentacoste
£210
Anna Marie & Rick Redaelli
It a beautiful thing that you are doing for Jennifer we need to win the fight against Lung disease.
£60
Lisa Alvino
I think this is so wonderful Danielle that you’re do this for Jennifer. You are truly a blessing to my Niece and she so blessed to have you in her life. All the beautiful things you have said about her is so True. A true fighter and the strongest person I know. ❤️😘❤️
£210
Gary Lombardi
You go DD.
£100
Scott Hutchison
You had me at Phoebe. Good luck DP!
£80.85
Tiffany Vanjo + Fam
The whole Vanjo clan is so so proud of you!! Come celebrate in Ohio after! 🥰
£100
Courtney Napolitano
Go sledgey!!! I love you and JJ!! You got this 🏃♀️
£63
Jackie Napolitano
Danielle, You are an awesome friend!! We love you more than you know!! 💜🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️💜 Jackie & Steve
£40
Missy Daboul Margolis
Go Danielle We are SO PROUD of you and we love you
£22
Anonymous
£60
Anonymous
£22
Go Danielle! Best wishes. I’m so proud of you and your beautiful heart!