Running for A Cause: Raising Awareness and Funds, One Mile at a Time

Sneakers pounding pavement. Muscles stretching beyond their limit. Anything to reach the finish line.

Endurance running challenges our physical and mental stamina, pushing our bodies and minds to prove we can succeed. To long-time Friendship Circle volunteer, Jonathan Cohen, running is also a way to drive awareness around the organization’s heartfelt mission – helping children and teens with special needs find friendship, acceptance, and social opportunities.

“I’ve learned to redefine my life in terms of the things I believe are meaningful and purposeful,” said Cohen. “These are the things I chase. The draw is seeing what I’m made of.”

In September, Cohen ran a 58-mile ultra-marathon, taking him ten hours to complete. He did it all without walking or the use of headphones. And on November 3, he will be running the New York City Marathon, for a total of 84.2 miles. He has trained extensively for both races, using a combination of running, lifting, and weight training to ensure his body is prepared. Every dollar Cohen raises through these two events will be generously donated to Friendship Circle.

“The chance to work with this organization, put my mind and body on the line in its honor, is a meaningful opportunity to push myself,” said Cohen. “It’s about service, contribution, and doing my best.”

“Jonathan exemplifies how we can all strive for better and greater,” said Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of Friendship Circle and LifeTown. “If we all do that, we can accomplish incredible things as a community and individuals.”

Cohen understands the importance of pushing himself to be better. At seventeen, he began volunteering for Friendship Circle and has since worked with children with special needs during his time serving the IDF. Last year, he completed 1,018 pull ups for Friendship Circle and raised nearly $20,000. Now an attorney, Cohen chases endurance challenges to find meaning and help him overcome life’s obstacles.

“It’s intended to be a demonstration of how consistency compounds over time,” said Cohen. “Doing hard things does not solve your problems, but you learn you are someone who can solve hard problems,” he added. “The best sides of who you are exist on the other side of what you’ve done.”

Cohen’s races are a perfect reflection of the Friendship Circle children and the hurdles they constantly face. Cohen will run the NYC Marathon at the same time as the Friendship Circle Walk/Run. His goal is to run the race in under three and a half hours. In addition, he hopes to raise a total of $36,000 for Friendship Circle.

“The mental part of it and the ability to overcome challenges is something these children go through on a daily basis. It’s something we see every day here,” said Rabbi Grossbaum. “It’s what the Friendship Circle walk and run is all about – it’s celebrating the children and families.”

“I love the unity this organization preaches and practices. I struggled with learning disabilities, and I always had perspective volunteering at Friendship Circle. They offer children with special needs the opportunity to learn real life skills,” said Cohen. “All anyone needs is a chance.”

Join Cohen and countless others on Sunday, November 3 to help give more children that chance. You can participate in the Friendship Circle Walk/Run in person or virtually. To sign up, visit www.FCwalk.com.

And if you would like to contribute to Cohen’s personal page, visit www.fcwalk.com/Jonathan.