My Fundraising Page

Running with a Purpose

Jun 03, 2014

Imagine being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 33 years of age while 19 weeks pregnant.  

 

This became a reality for my friend Nella (Zinni) Smolinski.  Nella and I have been friends since middle school.  She is a mother to 6 beautiful children and has a wonderful, supportive husband. While pregnant with her 6th child, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  She underwent chemotherapy throughout her pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby girl.  Nella was in remission for 6 months, but unfortunately the cancer returned.  She now faces months of high dose chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

 

Nella has become an inspiration to many through her blog “Is There a McDonalds in Heaven?”  She documents her incredible fight against cancer with dignity, strength, and an honest sense of humor.   She is a strong woman and wonderful role model whose spirit resonates in me and uplifts my soul. 

 

I want to dedicate my NYC Marathon run (Novemeber 2, 2014) to my friend, Nella.  My hardest run will never compare to the emotional and physical pain she has to endure each and every day.  In her honor, I’m raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team in Training. 

 

The LLS is a national organization that raises money to help fund research in an effort to discover a cure and also ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients.  Nationally, patients benefit annually from generous contributions made by the LLS.

 

Please support my fundraising efforts to honor this incredible woman who faces a tough road ahead. It’s our turn to raise her spirit and strengthen her soul, as she has done for so many. 

 

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Comment

Make a Donation

We are no longer accepting donations for this event, however you can still make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Supporter Comments

"My thoughts and prayers are with Nella and her family. Thank you Joelle for providing the opportunity for me to donate and be made aware of her struggles. "
Kerri Lucas
Tue Jun 3 04:43:37 EDT 2014
"Go Joelle! Love, the Browns"
Amy Brown
Tue Jun 3 05:24:58 EDT 2014
"Nella sounds like a very strong mom! Thoughts and prayers to her and her family. Good luck on your run! I'm sure you'll be great!! Love, Kelly, Adam, and Alexa "
Kelly Hamilton
Tue Jun 3 10:28:09 EDT 2014
"You are a very special person Joelle! - Gregg and I want to help you move towards your fundraising goal for this very important cause. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your friend, Nella and to all who battle this horrible disease."
Cindy and Gregg Sobel
Thu Jun 5 07:45:32 EDT 2014
"Go Nella! Go Joelle!"
Lynne Orozco
Thu Jun 5 04:46:27 EDT 2014
"Joelle....Of course we want to help you raise money for this worthy cause, in honor of your friend. This marathon is a metaphor for the marathon she's running.....may she run through the finish line in victory!! Love, Shelley and Michael"
Michele Feuerstein
Sun Jun 8 07:47:16 EDT 2014
"Kick some butt, Joelle!!!"
Carla Frederick
Tue Jun 10 02:51:58 EDT 2014
"I fondly remember Nella from your school days. What a special woman she is, to share her thoughts and inspire others. And what a special woman you are, to be such a caring and supportive friend. Wishing you both success and GOOD HEALTH! Love, Nin and Bob "
Linda Karch
Wed Jun 11 04:39:28 EDT 2014
"So proud of you Joelle!"
Matt, Allison and Hayden Stirrup
Mon Jun 16 02:00:22 EDT 2014
"My sweet beautiful Joelle......you are such an inspiration...go for it girl!!!!"
Kathleen Danni
Tue Jun 17 10:31:05 EDT 2014
"True character is evident in the face of adversity. Here's to two characters: Joelle and Nella Best of luck in the run and beyond"
David Kuehn
Mon Jun 30 07:30:48 EDT 2014
"It's a fact (and such a shame) that cancer touches almost every life in some way. We are proud to support you and Nella...You are both an inspiration!"
Robin & Jim Wallace
Thu Jul 3 07:32:54 EDT 2014
"Joelle, you're truly an inspiration to us all. We're proud to offer our support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nella and her family. "
James Danni
Fri Jul 4 10:03:03 EDT 2014
"We are very proud of your initiative in this very worthwhile cause in support of your friend and others. Nella sounds like a very strong person and we already know how strong and determined you are! We are honored to be able to help. Go Joelle!"
Warren Taylor
Fri Jul 4 12:46:51 EDT 2014
"Joelle! We are so proud of you and love you so much!!!! Mayanne and Anthony"
Mayanne and Anthony Thomas
Wed Jul 9 03:54:52 EDT 2014
"Go Joelle!! Love, Gray, Marc and Liam"
Gray, Marc, and Liam
Mon Jul 14 08:15:39 EDT 2014
"Beautiful way to support a dear friend. Send well wishes to all. "
tessa davis
Wed Jul 16 05:10:49 EDT 2014
"Having seen an example of your tenacity in person, I have no doubt you'll not only finish the marathon strong, but will raise great awareness and funds for this terrific cause. Yo go girl!!!! "
Carrie Foote
Thu Jul 17 04:48:42 EDT 2014
"This is a cause that's near and dear to my heart. Love you friend!"
Jacelyn McCune
Fri Jul 18 08:50:14 EDT 2014
"NY is awesome! Wish I could run it with you again for this cause!! You are awesome! Thank you!!"
Jacelyn McCune
Fri Jul 18 08:52:54 EDT 2014
"Joelle you have our support and prayers. "
David Taylor
Fri Jul 18 11:49:04 EDT 2014
"We're all cheering for you!!!! Love, The Giros"
Malena Giro
Mon Jul 21 09:48:43 EDT 2014
"Go get 'em Joelle!! The world is a better place with you in it!"
Cari Dillard
Tue Jul 22 08:18:39 EDT 2014
"Good luck Joelle! as you know Anna's mom died of multiple myeloma, so this is in memory of her (and in honor of your hard work). "
CRAIG TAYLOR
Tue Jul 22 05:07:40 EDT 2014
"You and your family are in my prayers. "
Angie Gauda Clancy
Tue Jul 22 08:20:08 EDT 2014
"Good luck Joelle!! Such a great cause and Nella is an amazing person!! She's got this!! "
Christina Winegarden Meyers
Thu Jul 24 01:16:31 EDT 2014
"What a nice thing that you are doing! "
jean voglino
Thu Jul 24 02:02:21 EDT 2014
"Best wishes to Nella & her family. Joelle, good luck!!"
Danielle Cherry (Hutton)
Sat Jul 26 09:45:31 EDT 2014
"Run hard! Run strong! Love Jesus! God bless you both!"
Michelle (Ganschow) Monkiewicz
Thu Jul 31 08:50:07 EDT 2014
"Goodluck Joelle, such a wonderful thing you are doing for your friend! I will keep her in my prayers. "
Amy Yester
Thu Jul 31 11:54:55 EDT 2014
"Best of luck!!"
Steve Marino
Thu Jul 31 12:10:47 EDT 2014
"Good luck - and God Bless Nella and her family"
Rich Andres
Fri Aug 1 08:37:15 EDT 2014
"Go Joelle!"
Laurie Boge
Sat Aug 2 08:09:08 EDT 2014
" Keep going and make rock star status!! Proud of you!"
Megan Natter
Fri Aug 29 02:10:18 EDT 2014
"Have a great run Taylor;) Best Regards Two Taylors"
Jeffrey Taylor
Sat Aug 30 12:08:50 EDT 2014
"Joelle, we are praying for Nella! "
Jane Zulli
Mon Sep 1 10:47:45 EDT 2014
"You are an incredible person Joelle. Our family is truly grateful for your friendship and love. Best of luck this weekend! We will see you on the other side. Love always- Anthony, Kisha & Ace."
Anthony, Kisha & Ace Evans
Sat Nov 1 10:03:25 EDT 2014
"Joelle, you are amazing! Way to go and your friend will be in our thoughts and prayers. Katie & Phil Newcomm "
Phil and Katie Newcomm
Sat Nov 1 10:32:16 EDT 2014

My Fundraising Total

Raised:  $4,655.00
Goal:  $3,900
119%
119 %

Make a Donation

We are no longer accepting donations for this event, however you can still make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

My Thanks To

Cari Dillard $250.00
Jeff and Elizabeth S... $200.00
Fundraiser $140.00
Phil and Katie Newco... $100.00
Anthony, Kisha &... $100.00
Dustin Koufman $100.00
Jeffrey Taylor $100.00
MIchelle Sanchez $100.00
Amy Yester $100.00
jean voglino $100.00
Angie Gauda Clancy $100.00
CRAIG TAYLOR $100.00
Deena and David Sobe... $100.00
Carrie Foote $100.00
Mayanne and Anthony ... $100.00
Jeanie and Dodge Bia... $100.00
Warren Taylor $100.00
heather barrett $100.00
Robin & Jim Wall... $100.00
Amy Brown $100.00
Malena Giro $50.00
Silvia Mestre Hernan... $50.00
Rocky, Ashley and Av... $50.00
Michelle (Ganschow) ... $50.00
Kristine Lesh $50.00
David Taylor $50.00
Jacelyn McCune $50.00
Jacelyn McCune $50.00
Nikolai, Bohdan &... $50.00
Julie Rekant $50.00
James Danni $50.00
David Kuehn $50.00
Cindy and Gregg Sob... $50.00
Kelly Hamilton $50.00
Joelle E Taylor $50.00
Maria Elena Amado $35.00
Diana Ramos $30.00
Amanda Smith $25.00
Danielle Cherry (Hu... $25.00
Angela Andres $25.00
Laurie Boge $25.00
Trent Rector $25.00
Steve Marino $25.00
Kelly Schmitt $25.00
Christina Winegarden... $25.00
Diane M. Ralph $25.00
Anonymous $25.00
Jen & Andy Mulva... $25.00
Gray, Marc, and Liam... $25.00
Mark & Karen Dan... $25.00
Laura Schmahl $25.00
Tarita Pakrashi $25.00
Kathleen Danni $25.00
Carla Frederick $25.00
Stacey Lemma $25.00
Lynley Ciorobea $25.00
Laura Schwickerath $25.00
Amanda Zakka $20.00
Fundraiser $10.00
Megan Natter
Jane Zulli
Kelly & Joe Mani...
Jamie Buck
Matt Sarzyniak
tessa davis
Travis, Cameron, Aub...
Matt, Allison and Ha...
Nicole Rosenbaum-Per...
Michele Feuerstein
Rich Andres
Angeline and Yosvany...
Linda Karch
Lynne Orozco
Kimberly Najuch
Kerri Lucas

Supporter Comments

"My thoughts and prayers are with Nella and her family. Thank you Joelle for providing the opportunity for me to donate and be made aware of her struggles. "
Kerri Lucas
Tue Jun 3 04:43:37 EDT 2014
"Go Joelle! Love, the Browns"
Amy Brown
Tue Jun 3 05:24:58 EDT 2014
"Nella sounds like a very strong mom! Thoughts and prayers to her and her family. Good luck on your run! I'm sure you'll be great!! Love, Kelly, Adam, and Alexa "
Kelly Hamilton
Tue Jun 3 10:28:09 EDT 2014
"You are a very special person Joelle! - Gregg and I want to help you move towards your fundraising goal for this very important cause. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your friend, Nella and to all who battle this horrible disease."
Cindy and Gregg Sobel
Thu Jun 5 07:45:32 EDT 2014
"Go Nella! Go Joelle!"
Lynne Orozco
Thu Jun 5 04:46:27 EDT 2014
"Joelle....Of course we want to help you raise money for this worthy cause, in honor of your friend. This marathon is a metaphor for the marathon she's running.....may she run through the finish line in victory!! Love, Shelley and Michael"
Michele Feuerstein
Sun Jun 8 07:47:16 EDT 2014
"Kick some butt, Joelle!!!"
Carla Frederick
Tue Jun 10 02:51:58 EDT 2014
"I fondly remember Nella from your school days. What a special woman she is, to share her thoughts and inspire others. And what a special woman you are, to be such a caring and supportive friend. Wishing you both success and GOOD HEALTH! Love, Nin and Bob "
Linda Karch
Wed Jun 11 04:39:28 EDT 2014
"So proud of you Joelle!"
Matt, Allison and Hayden Stirrup
Mon Jun 16 02:00:22 EDT 2014
"My sweet beautiful Joelle......you are such an inspiration...go for it girl!!!!"
Kathleen Danni
Tue Jun 17 10:31:05 EDT 2014
"True character is evident in the face of adversity. Here's to two characters: Joelle and Nella Best of luck in the run and beyond"
David Kuehn
Mon Jun 30 07:30:48 EDT 2014
"It's a fact (and such a shame) that cancer touches almost every life in some way. We are proud to support you and Nella...You are both an inspiration!"
Robin & Jim Wallace
Thu Jul 3 07:32:54 EDT 2014
"Joelle, you're truly an inspiration to us all. We're proud to offer our support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nella and her family. "
James Danni
Fri Jul 4 10:03:03 EDT 2014
"We are very proud of your initiative in this very worthwhile cause in support of your friend and others. Nella sounds like a very strong person and we already know how strong and determined you are! We are honored to be able to help. Go Joelle!"
Warren Taylor
Fri Jul 4 12:46:51 EDT 2014
"Joelle! We are so proud of you and love you so much!!!! Mayanne and Anthony"
Mayanne and Anthony Thomas
Wed Jul 9 03:54:52 EDT 2014
"Go Joelle!! Love, Gray, Marc and Liam"
Gray, Marc, and Liam
Mon Jul 14 08:15:39 EDT 2014
"Beautiful way to support a dear friend. Send well wishes to all. "
tessa davis
Wed Jul 16 05:10:49 EDT 2014
"Having seen an example of your tenacity in person, I have no doubt you'll not only finish the marathon strong, but will raise great awareness and funds for this terrific cause. Yo go girl!!!! "
Carrie Foote
Thu Jul 17 04:48:42 EDT 2014
"This is a cause that's near and dear to my heart. Love you friend!"
Jacelyn McCune
Fri Jul 18 08:50:14 EDT 2014
"NY is awesome! Wish I could run it with you again for this cause!! You are awesome! Thank you!!"
Jacelyn McCune
Fri Jul 18 08:52:54 EDT 2014
"Joelle you have our support and prayers. "
David Taylor
Fri Jul 18 11:49:04 EDT 2014
"We're all cheering for you!!!! Love, The Giros"
Malena Giro
Mon Jul 21 09:48:43 EDT 2014
"Go get 'em Joelle!! The world is a better place with you in it!"
Cari Dillard
Tue Jul 22 08:18:39 EDT 2014
"Good luck Joelle! as you know Anna's mom died of multiple myeloma, so this is in memory of her (and in honor of your hard work). "
CRAIG TAYLOR
Tue Jul 22 05:07:40 EDT 2014
"You and your family are in my prayers. "
Angie Gauda Clancy
Tue Jul 22 08:20:08 EDT 2014
"Good luck Joelle!! Such a great cause and Nella is an amazing person!! She's got this!! "
Christina Winegarden Meyers
Thu Jul 24 01:16:31 EDT 2014
"What a nice thing that you are doing! "
jean voglino
Thu Jul 24 02:02:21 EDT 2014
"Best wishes to Nella & her family. Joelle, good luck!!"
Danielle Cherry (Hutton)
Sat Jul 26 09:45:31 EDT 2014
"Run hard! Run strong! Love Jesus! God bless you both!"
Michelle (Ganschow) Monkiewicz
Thu Jul 31 08:50:07 EDT 2014
"Goodluck Joelle, such a wonderful thing you are doing for your friend! I will keep her in my prayers. "
Amy Yester
Thu Jul 31 11:54:55 EDT 2014
"Best of luck!!"
Steve Marino
Thu Jul 31 12:10:47 EDT 2014
"Good luck - and God Bless Nella and her family"
Rich Andres
Fri Aug 1 08:37:15 EDT 2014
"Go Joelle!"
Laurie Boge
Sat Aug 2 08:09:08 EDT 2014
" Keep going and make rock star status!! Proud of you!"
Megan Natter
Fri Aug 29 02:10:18 EDT 2014
"Have a great run Taylor;) Best Regards Two Taylors"
Jeffrey Taylor
Sat Aug 30 12:08:50 EDT 2014
"Joelle, we are praying for Nella! "
Jane Zulli
Mon Sep 1 10:47:45 EDT 2014
"You are an incredible person Joelle. Our family is truly grateful for your friendship and love. Best of luck this weekend! We will see you on the other side. Love always- Anthony, Kisha & Ace."
Anthony, Kisha & Ace Evans
Sat Nov 1 10:03:25 EDT 2014
"Joelle, you are amazing! Way to go and your friend will be in our thoughts and prayers. Katie & Phil Newcomm "
Phil and Katie Newcomm
Sat Nov 1 10:32:16 EDT 2014
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