Official Charity Partners

UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital

UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital is a 244-bed, full-service children’s hospital and academic medical center. A trusted leader in pediatric health care for more than 125 years, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital consistently ranks among the top children’s hospitals in the nation. As the region’s premier resource for pediatric referrals, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital’s dedicated team of more than 1,300 pediatric specialists uses the most advanced treatments and latest innovations to deliver the complete range of pediatric specialty services for 700,000 patient encounters, annually. Committed to advanced care and advanced caring, UH Rainbow's goal is to provide comprehensive primary and community-based care - the kind of health care people need most - as well as access to the highest quality specialty care when necessary.  

Help support world-class pediatric care for boys and girls facing cancer, traumatic injuries, and other illnesses!  You can help UH Rainbow continue to be a leader in transforming child health in Northeast Ohio for babies, children and adolescents with critical illnesses or injuries. Give today knowing that your support will help fund care that saves children's lives.

For more information please visit the website.

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Prayers From Maria

Prayers From Maria was inspired by the prayers of seven-year-old Maria McNamara, who lost her battle against a brain stem glioma in 2007. While Maria was receiving treatment at St. Jude, she prayed for other sick children that she met, hoping the doctors would find a way to help them and make them better. Prayers From Maria, founded by Maria’s parents Ed and Megan McNamara of Avon Lake, Ohio, is dedicated to answering Maria’s prayers by funding global research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for the deadliest childhood brain tumors and bringing hope to children and families who deal with the disease’s hardships. Our Planting Hope sunflower garden in Avon, Ohio, has attracted thousands and elevated awareness and fundraising for childhood brain cancer research. Our most recent $250,000 grant to Case Western Reserve University is funding cutting edge research exploring the use of nanotechnology to more effectively and less toxically treat children’s brain tumors.

Our marathon team, known as the Sunflower Striders, has raised over $100,000 in research dollars by participating in 10 marathons over the past 6 years. Participation in the Cleveland Marathon alone has raised over $65,000. Please support our team by either joining it, or by making a donation.

For information on how to join our team email: Carrie Drozdz at marathon@prayersfrommaria.org.

For more information about Prayers From Maria and its impact on childhood brain tumor research, visit www.PrayersFromMaria.org.

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Empowering Epilepsy

Empowering Epilepsy enables people with epilepsy to take charge of their lives by connecting them to experts and peers for education, care and support at every age and stage. Since 2014, Empowering Epilepsy has been running innovative, results-driven programs and events throughout Northeastern Ohio to enable people with epilepsy to take charge of their lives. 

Approximately 65,000 people in Northeastern Ohio have seizures, while many more have these symptoms that remain undiagnosed.  It is estimated that one in ten people will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and one in 26 people will develop epilepsy.

Programs offered include conferences, sessions, and support groups, all with some of the top epilepsy specialists from Level 3 and 4 Epilepsy Centers. Our Empowering Epilepsy Headquarters also hosts art therapy classes, special events, educational sessions, and classes focused on improving participants' mind, body and spirit. Our center also offers lifestyle guidance through peer and expert interactions. Our programs are offered at low- or no cost, which we are able to provide due to the generosity of local, statewide and national donors and foundations.

To learn more contact Leigh Goldie at info@empoweringepilepsy.org

To learn more about Empowering Epilepsy's programs and services, visit our website: https://empoweringepilepsy.org

To learn more about our Empowering Epilepsy Team in the Cleveland Marathon, click here: https://www.empoweringepilepsy.org/event-cleveland-marathon

You may also join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/empoweringepilepsy

FMDSA

The Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America (FMDSA) has become the recognized leader in the support of Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) awareness, education and research. We achieved our goal by successfully raising funds for the purpose of awarding FMD research grants, building awareness programs, and educating the public and medical community. Fibromuscular dysplasia causes your arteries to form abnormally creating areas of narrowing or stenosis.  First diagnosed in 1938, there is still no known cause or cure for FMD.  90% of patients are women and headache and high blood pressure are two of the most common symptoms of the disease. FMD can lead to arterial dissections, aneurysms, stroke and death.

For more information on fibromuscular dysplasia or our organization please visit our website. You may also join our campaign and get started!

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Cystic Fibrosis Foundaton

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment, and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is fueled by a dedicated group of scientists, caregivers, donors, volunteers, and people with CF and their families who are united by a common goal: to find a cure for this devastating disease and help those with CF live longer, healthier lives.

Email us directly: northern-ohio@cff.org

For more information about the Northern Ohio Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, visit: https://www.cff.org/

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Stella Maris

Proud Charity Partner of the Cleveland Marathon, Stella Maris is Cleveland’s oldest and best hope for addiction recovery. Founded in 1948, Stella Maris has been providing transformational chemical dependency treatment and mental health services to anyone regardless of race, religion, gender, or ability to pay. We offer a full continuum of services on our therapeutic campus to men and women; detoxification, inpatient and outpatient, partial hospitalization, medication assisted treatment, supportive housing for men and women, LGBTQ+ track, trauma services, peer support, case management, family therapy, and workforce development.

For more information, please visit www.stellamariscleveland.com. If a loved one or friend of yours is struggling with drugs or alcohol, please call (216) 781-0550, option #1.

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Concussion Legacy Foundation

The Concussion Legacy Foundation's (CLF) mission is to support athletes, Veterans, and all affected by concussions and CTE; achieve smarter sports and safer athletes through education and innovation; and to End CTE through prevention and research. Our vision is a world without CTE, and concussion safety without compromise.

For information please go to: https://www.concussionfoundation.org

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B Brave Foundation

B Brave Foundation exists to improve the lives of children with fatal neurological disorders.  We strive to bring comfort and reduce suffering by advocating for patients, supporting families and empowering caregivers.

For more information about our programs and initiatives, please visit bbravefoundation.org
Email: info@bbravefoundation.org or sarascaparotti@bbravefoundation.org

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Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center supports survivors of rape and sexual abuse, promotes healing and prevention, and advocates for social change.

The Center reaches thousands of people each year - one third of them youth - through its direct services, prevention, education, training and outreach programs in Cuyahoga County, Ashtabula County, Geauga County and Lake County.

The Center is the sole provider of comprehensive healing services for survivors of rape and sexual abuse in Northeast Ohio, and one of the oldest and largest rape crisis centers in the nation.

For more information visit https://clevelandrapecrisis.org/

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ALS Association - Northern Ohio Chapter

The Northern Ohio Chapter was founded in 1988 to serve the needs of those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers. The mission of The ALS Association Northern Ohio Chapter is to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.

The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. ALSA covers all the bases — patient and community services, research, public education, and advocacy — in providing help and hope to those facing the disease. Our vision is to create a world without ALS.

The Northern Ohio Chapter focuses on helping local patients and families live with ALS while supporting national research and advocacy programs.

Please visit the website for more information: www.alsaohio.org

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American Heart Association

The American Heart Association’s mission is “to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.” The AHA is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites our more than 33 million volunteers and supporters as well as our more than 3,400 employees. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Our size and scope let us have real impact. We have invested more than $4.5 billion in research, more than any U.S. nonprofit organization, including almost $23M locally here in Cleveland in the last 5 years.

Visit https://www.heart.org/ for more details!

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Inclusioneers

The Inclusioneers organization is purposed for the charitable mission to provide inclusive engineered solutions that (a) are ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant, (b) are designed by mentor engineers that volunteer from local businesses and student engineers that volunteer from local colleges, (c) bring accessibility to public facilities, public events and (d) provide independence and mobility to individuals with developmental disabilities, empowering people of all abilities in the Summit County community.

Friends of CITY DOGS Cleveland

Friends of CITY DOGS Cleveland is a 501(c)3, volunteer run organization established in April 2020 with the mission of providing the animals taken in by Cleveland Animal Care and Control (CACC) with medical care and enrichment during their time at the kennel, preparing them for adoption into loving homes, and creating opportunities for potential adopters to get to know them as the great family members they were meant to be. Friends of CITY DOGS Cleveland is CACC’s  primary fundraising partner. CACC is the exclusive beneficiary of the Friends’ fundraising efforts. 

Join the Friends of CITY DOGS Cleveland Team!
Questions can be directed to: Beth Heffner, friendsofcitydogscleevents@gmail.com

Website: https://friendsofcitydogscleveland.com/ 

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University Circle, Inc.

University Circle Inc. is the nonprofit that advocates for and manages the services and development of University Circle, one of the most spectacular one-square mile neighborhoods in the nation that is home to the cultural, educational and medical institutions that represent Cleveland to the world.  It operates under a progressive collective-impact model where its 37 member institutions collaborate on neighborhood progress via a common agenda, including programs that engage over 10,000 students, many underserved, and their families. 

Join the University Circle, Inc. team. Contact Madeline Francis for more information: Madeline.Francis@universitycircle.org

Check out the website at www.universitycircle.org.

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JDRF

JDRF is proud to be an official charity partner of the 2023 Cleveland Marathon. We invite you to join Team JDRF as we go the distance to create a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D)!   

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.  Our strength lies in our exclusive focus and singular influence on the worldwide effort to end T1D. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes both children and adults suddenly. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent it. And, at present, there is no cure.

Team JDRF participants join in on the fun of the Cleveland Marathon through miles, medals, and most importantly moments!  This is your moment to fundraise and help turn type one into type none! As a Team JDRF participant, we’re committed to supporting you before and throughout the race weekend.

When you join Team JDRF at any package level, you will receive:

• Fundraising support
• Discounted registration fee
• Incentives based on money you fundraise:

• Raise $100 and receive the Team JDRF performance t-shirt
• Raise $300 and receive the Team JDRF Race Day Singlet

A commitment from JDRF to keep working towards a cure!

Every step you take and every mile you run brings us closer to our ultimate finish line – a world without T1D!

For additional information regarding joining Team JDRF for the 2023 Cleveland Marathon, please email Lia at lbenn@jdrf.org. 

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Help Foundation, Inc.

HELP Foundation empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, day support, vocational, and summer education programs to choose services and opportunities as respected and valued members of the community. HELP supports pathways that give every individual the chance to thrive and reach their full ability, contributing to a vibrant, inclusive community.

For more information please visit the Help Foundation website.

To join the Help Foundation team, please contact: Joan Palumbo at jpalumbo@helpfoundationinc.org.

The Haven Home

The Haven Home compassionately serves under-resourced women and their children by empowering sustainable independence. Established in 2017 as an “Emergency Family Overflow Shelter”, our services have grown to also include asset-building programs, and community outreach.

To join The Haven Home team, please email Alexis for more information: alexis@thehavenhome.org

Please visit the website for more information: https://thehavenhome.org.

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Team Palestine for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund

The Palestine Children's Relief Fund was established in 1992 by concerned humanitarians in the USA to bring injured and sick children for free medical care they could not get locally. Since then, we have sent over 2,000 sick and injured children for free medical care, and sponsored hundreds of volunteer medical teams from all over the world to treat tens of thousands of sick and injured youths in local hospitals. PCRF also has built two pediatric cancer departments in Palestine and has several major programs (including pediatric cancer, cardiac surgery, mental health and amputee programs) that support the development of a sustainable health-care system there. We are a grassroots organization depending on the support of thousands of volunteers all over the world to help us achieve our humanitarian mission. We envision a world where all children in the Middle East have access to quality medical care, regardless of nationality, religious or political affiliation.

We are also proud that our charity has earned six consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. This is the highest possible rating and indicates that our organization adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient and transparent way.

Please contact Jafar Abunasser at jafar_jamil@hotmail.com for more information or visit the website at: www.pcrf.net

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GiGi's Playhouse Cleveland LLC

Our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. We change lives through consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome from prenatal through adulthood, their families and the community.

Visit GiGi's Playhouse website at: https://gigisplayhouse.org/cleveland/
Please contact Zachary Blau for additional information: ZBlau@gigisplayhouse.org

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Hattie Larlham

Because we believe life is sacred, Hattie Larlham enhances the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through our commitment to comfort, joy, and achievement.

Join the Hattie Larlham TEAM! For more information, please contact Mary Horoszko at Mary.Horoszko@hattielarlham.org.

Visit the Hattie Larlham website: https://www.hattielarlham.org/

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Special Deeds

Special Deeds Inc.'s purpose is to provide educational and financial assistance in order to facilitate positive, motivational life experiences for underserved populations in the Greater Cleveland Area. Our specialized focus is on children and adults with disabilities, as well as their families and support systems. Everyone deserves equal access to the resources, opportunities and cultural offerings of their community. We aim to bridge the gaps.

A need for one is a deed to be done.

Please join us. For more information on our initiatives please email Don McGee:dmcgee@specialdeeds.org or simply visit our website: www.specialdeeds.org

Michael's Promise

Where the healing begins.

Our mission is to help children and young adults overcome trauma from sexual abuse. We have created a safe space to offer love, support, and transformational tools to help heal. Survivors deserve to live a beautiful life without fear and shame.

Contact: Lisa Stewart @ lisa@soliaspa.com

Website

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Love Doesn't Shove

Love Doesn’t Shove is dedicated to educating the community about the dynamics of healthy relationships to prevent dating violence and promote a safer, more joyous community. Through interactive presentations in schools throughout Ohio, we help equip students with efficient communication tools, behavioral awareness and help resources.

Contact: Education@lovedoesntshove.org

Website

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428 Foundation

The 428 Foundation was established to provide funding for underappreciated youth sports and STEAM programs/organizations/individuals. Our intention is to empower and fund the youth now to help nurture and build future entrepreneurs, and organization leaders to sustain the “right way” morality and mentality.

Contact: Lizzy D'Amato at: lad@428.io

Website

Lake Erie Council, Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting organization is composed of approximately 1.1 million youth members between the ages of 5 and 21 and approximately 800,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. Locally, Lake Erie Council, Boy Scouts of America serves seven counties and almost 7,000 youth members.

 To learn more about the Lake Erie Council and Scouting, visit www.LECBSA.org

 For more information, contact: tyler.matthews@scouting.org

St. Herman House - Cleveland

Founded in 1977, St Herman House has provided over 45 years of service to the poor and homeless in Cleveland. Our mission is to shelter and support homeless men on the path to well-being and independence and meet the basic needs of people in our community. St Herman House provides emergency shelter for 28 men and transitional housing for 12 men. We provide on-site case management to help residents address the barriers that have resulted in homelessness. We also provide other vital services to the community, including meals 7 days a week, as well as clothing, hygiene items and groceries. St Herman House also owns a 75-acre farm in Trumbull county, named Spruce Island Farm. We have a thriving beekeeping program with more than 60 beehives. We produce and sell our "Spruce Island Farm" honey at various local farmers markets.

For more information contact Mary Ellen Jordan at:  mejordan@focusna.org
or visit the website.

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The Cleveland Foundry

The Cleveland Foundry is a Community Rowing and Sailing Center dedicated to transforming the lives of young people in the Northeastern Ohio region by providing access to the sports of rowing and sailing.

Both sailing and rowing have historically been exclusive sports, open only to those with financial means and access to the resources needed to participate. The Foundry aims to change this narrative by providing safe and inclusive programming to young people of all backgrounds.

Engaging youth in the sports of rowing and sailing helps to promote health and fitness; supports development of non-cognitive skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance; exposes students to scholarship and career opportunities; and provides access to two of our region’s most valuable natural assets: Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River.

The Row. Sail. Dream. outreach program connects youth of all experience levels, from the novice to the serious athlete, to the resources they need to be successful in the sports of rowing and sailing, including swimming lessons, STEM education, and supporting participation on the Foundry’s in-house rowing and sailing teams.

Visit the website for more information

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American Cancer Society - Team DetermiNation

The American Cancer Society would not be successful without the help of our generous donors and volunteers. Because of you, we've helped thousands of people across the globe with lifesaving cancer research studies, crucial patient care programs, and education and prevention initiatives. That's why it's so important to get involved with The American Cancer Society Team DetermiNation for the 2024 Cleveland Marathon and fundraise – because when you do, you help save lives.

Please reach out to Alyssa Hancock for more information: alyssa.hancock@cancer.org

Website

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