Running the NYC Marathon isn’t just about crossing a finish line for me—it’s about honoring two of the most important people in my life. When I was 15, I lost my dad unexpectedly to a heart attack. Just a few years later, we lost my Uncle Billy the same way. This October marks the 10th anniversary of my dad’s passing and the second of my uncle’s. Losing them so young left a hole in my life, but their love and lessons continue to guide me.
I always called Billy my “uncle” and his kids my “cousins” because they truly were family in every way that mattered. If you know the Lemone's, you know the Dazzo's—we’ve shared nearly every holiday together, and even lived under the same roof at one point. When my dad and Billy first became friends, they had no idea they were building something bigger than themselves—a whole new generation of family.
My dad and my uncle were inseparable from the moment they were born—literally. Their moms used to take walks together around the neighborhood while pregnant. From playing baseball as kids to owning a landscaping business together, their bond never wavered. Nothing brought them more joy than being with the people they loved. Their loyalty to each other—and to their families—taught me what deep, unconditional love looks like. To this day, they rest in the same cemetery, just far enough apart to imagine them still tossing a baseball back and forth.
They're my greatest inspirations. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about them—laughing, joking, and spending time with all of us. They were more than family to me. They were my best friends. We could sit around and talk for hours. I cannot emphasize how much the connection between my dad and my uncle continues to influence me in every thing I do. Through them, I learned that life is about cherishing the people who matter most, and never taking a moment for granted.
I believe in signs from those who’ve passed, and I know they still watch over me. When I first reached out to the American Heart Association to learn about joining Team Heart & Stroke, I received a response that gave me chills. The very first sentence read, “My name is Christopher”—my dad’s name. I called my mom immediately, and we both broke down in tears. If that wasn’t a sign, I don’t know what is.
That moment confirmed for me that this is the cause I’m meant to support, and these are the people I’m meant to run alongside.
This year, I’m running the NYC Marathon in honor of my dad and Uncle Billy, and raising funds for the American Heart Association to support advancements in cardiovascular health. I believe everyone deserves the chance to live a long, healthy life. By joining Team Heart & Stroke, I hope to help prevent others from experiencing the kind of loss my family has endured.
Together, we can help give more families the time—and the memories—they deserve. Thank you so much for supporting this cause and the AHA. Your contribution means more than I can express.
