Running sure isn't my thing, but Nicole can move.
Name: Nicole Floro
Name: Nicole Floro
Age: 25
Career: Pharmacovigilance
Specialist at pharmaceutical company. [No one knows that that is but it is
ensuring patient safety during clinical trials and after the drug goes on the
market. We monitor what happens to the patient while they take the drug and at
the end of the day formulate the list of side effects you see on every drug you
take]
I am in graduate school full time to get my MS degree in Biology
(concentration in science education). I am also a teaching assistant to students
taking Introduction to Biology.
I am going to be quitting my full time job to focus on my
studies so pretty soon my career will be full time student!
Why are you running
the marathon? Is this your first time running?
The Boston Marathon will be my second
marathon. I ran a marathon in Washington DC on St. Patrick’s Day last year. I
was never a runner. I was the high school “athlete” who came in last during the
mile warm up, huffing and puffing the whole time. In 2011, I began running-first,
using the couch to 5k workout and eventually transitioning to a half marathon.
Crossing the finish line of my first race was an unbelievable feeling. Running
in general became an unbelievable feeling. It provided a sense of calm in my
hectic life and allowed me to just be with my thoughts for a little while.
During especially overwhelming times in my life, throwing on a pair of sneakers
and hitting the pavement was the best therapy. I can’t explain how many “life
events” it has gotten me through. Although I hate it (a lot) sometimes, I can’t
forget how positive it has been for me.
Training for a marathon is unlike anything I
have ever done though. It goes beyond an enjoyable calming experience. It
pushes you mentally and physically to the point you want to give up. For 18
weeks of training, nothing can come between you and your run, not the weather,
not sickness, not fatigue, not social events, nothing. The mental toughness you
develop is as important as the training. Running miles 18-26 of the race is entirely
mental. The only thing getting you to put one foot in front of the other is
determination. It is an unbelievable feat and I am sure crossing the finish
line in Boston will be an even more incredible experience.
To sum up why I am
running the marathon:
I am running to
experience that triumph again.
I am running because you
become part of a community of shared experiences.
I am running to challenge
myself.
I am running to maintain
a sense of consistency in my otherwise busy schedule.
I am running for something
bigger than myself- the charity to which I dedicating my run.
Who are you running
it for? Why are you running to benefit this cause?
I am
running on behalf of the Michael Lisnow Respite Center. I applied to run only
for this charity because I find their mission to be admirable and because 93%
of every dollar raised goes to direct care which is considerably higher than
most other charities. Additionally, many charities focus on the disease or
disability itself while overlooking the family and friends who take care of the
afflicted individuals. I found it refreshing to see that The Michael Carter
Lisnow Respite Center is focused on the caretakers and appreciating their
strength and commitment to their loved one(s). I can imagine caring for an
individual with disabilities is an exhausting effort and can really wear on a
person/family. I am fortunate in that I do not have any friends of family
members who require special assistance. However, as my grandparents have aged
and become sick, I see how taxing their care can be on my parents. Seeing just
a glimpse of the work that is required to care for loved ones brings even more
of an appreciation to the volunteers at the Center.
The
Center provides an exceptional service to these individuals and their families
through the many programs offered. I
would like to do my part to not only ensure these programs are maintained for
current families but to allow for greater participation.
Do you support
other philanthropic causes or volunteer elsewhere?
Unfortunately I don’t have the time right now
to volunteer, which is a terribly lame excuse. Once my life settles down after
the marathon and after I’m done working full time I am going to look into
volunteer opportunities. I would like to focus on a mentoring program or
tutoring at a local school once my schedule opens up.
If you had a
million dollars to donate, what organization(s) would you give to?
International or domestic?
I am not sure what specific organization I
would donate the million dollars, however it would be organizations focused on
homelessness and hunger in the United States. I don’t think either need to
exist and it is hard to fathom that so many people have to suffer. Living and
working in the city has opened my eyes to the problem of homelessness and
hunger in the winter months it is heartbreaking. No one should have to worry
where they are going to sleep every night or how they are going to eat every
day. These are basic life necessities and should be granted to all.
Is there a
philanthropist you admire?
I respect the philanthropic work of Bill and
Melinda Gates and their foundation. It seems they are truly committed to
improving the quality of life for millions (if not billions) of people
worldwide. Additionally the issues addressed by their foundation, namely health
and education, are issues I value.
The education system in the United States
needs improvement. Students need to be supported in K-12 so they are
academically ready to enter undergraduate studies. With my new teaching
assistant position I am seeing firsthand how ill-prepared some students are to
take on college studies. If students aren’t able to succeed and attain their
college degree they face further difficulties in reaching financial stability.
I appreciate the foundation’s focus on fostering academic excellence so as to
empower students in the future.
My experience working in the healthcare field
along with my biology studies has exposed me to the terrible diseases
afflicting millions of people around the world. The disease rates in developing
countries are staggering because the treatment is not available and the
research isn’t being conducted. The
foundation is bringing to light many of these issues and working on improving
treatment in developing countries and increasing research efforts on neglected
diseases. Any minimization in disease incidence would be a considerable
achievement.
What does
Philanthropy mean to you?
To me, philanthropy is an appreciation for humanity and a focus
on improving the lives and well being of people through altruistic initiatives.
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