Staten Island Runners Raise $30K for Autism Support at NYC Marathon

Six runners completed the TCS New York City Marathon, raising nearly $30,000 for The GRACE Foundation of New York. The foundation supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families through various programs and initiatives.

The team included five Staten Islanders and one member of Team Inspire, a select group of 26 runners chosen by New York Road Runners from over 60,000 participants to represent the marathon’s diversity.

The GRACE Foundation operates a food truck and plans to open a café, both designed to create employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. The foundation also engages in educational initiatives and community partnerships.

Eddie Scalzo, owner of Country Donuts, posted the fastest time among Team GRACE runners, finishing in 3:36:45. Kayla Scanni followed with a time of 4:17:20, while Chrissy Manzione of Never Ride Stock completed the race in 4:48:51.

Jesús Trego Yudho, who ran as part of Team Inspire, finished in 4:49:27. Trego Yudho, who is on the autism spectrum and has a nonverbal son with Level 3 autism, contacted the foundation directly to ask if he could run for Team GRACE.

Cathy Del Priore, executive director of The GRACE Foundation, said she started crying when Trego Yudho reached out. Del Priore noted his connection to the foundation’s mission is deeply personal and his determination to make a difference is incredible.