Nurse to Run NYC Marathon to Benefit Hospital
Dan Paparelli is running the marathon to deliver a $20,000 grant for children in Queens.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Running
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Rockaway resident and pediatric nurse Dan Paparelli is set to run the 26.2-mile New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026. He will use the race to support The Floating Hospital, having secured a $20,000 grant for the organization that serves unhoused and underprivileged children.
Why it matters
The $20,000 grant directly supports healthcare access for vulnerable children in Queens. Paparelli, a pediatric intensive care nurse, is leveraging his participation in the marathon to provide financial resources for this community-based medical care.
The funding is provided through the 2026 Citizens Miles That Matter Award, a grant totaling $20,000 intended for a Queens-based nonprofit. While the award is confirmed, the specific distribution of these funds across the facility's various pediatric health initiatives remains undetermined.
The players
Dan Paparelli
A Rockaway resident and pediatric intensive care nurse at New York Presbyterian-Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital.
The Floating Hospital
A medical organization providing healthcare services to unhoused and underprivileged children in Queens.
Citizens Bank
A financial institution that co-sponsors the Citizens Miles That Matter Award.
New York Road Runners
The organization that manages the New York City Marathon and co-sponsors the award.
Thomas Jefferson University
The academic institution where Paparelli is studying to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
The details
Dan Paparelli, a critical care nurse at New York Presbyterian-Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, is balancing his clinical work with his training for the 26.2-mile race. The grant he secured for The Floating Hospital is supported by Citizens Bank and the New York Road Runners. Paparelli is currently pursuing further specialization as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, with completion of his program at Thomas Jefferson University expected in 2029.
Timeline
Paparelli worked as a lifeguard for the National Park Service from 2016 to 2021.
Paparelli began his role as a critical care nurse in 2023.
Paparelli received the Citizens Miles That Matter Award in 2026.
Paparelli runs the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026.
Paparelli completes his nurse anesthetist program in 2029.
Health Landscape
The Citizens Miles That Matter Award represents a growing trend of integrating mass-participation sports with community-level health philanthropy. It sits alongside traditional healthcare funding models by providing targeted capital to non-profits serving children with limited access to care.
For readers interested in community health, this highlights the role of local nonprofit care for children in underserved populations. It is a reminder to consult with your physician if you are looking to support regional health initiatives or connect with organizations like The Floating Hospital.
The takeaway
Paparelli’s effort emphasizes the impact that individual advocacy can have on local pediatric health services. Readers interested in community health can research local nonprofit clinics in their own boroughs to learn how they support underserved populations.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of fitness and health initiatives, explore the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Wave - Rockaway's Newspaper since 1893 | 718-634-4000.
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