Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

This year, I will be running the New York City Marathon with Shoe4Africa to raise money for the construction of sub-Saharan Africa’s FIRST children’s cancer hospital.

First question… Why am I doing this?


I’m moving to New York to work in public health at the NYC Department of Health. What better way to celebrate my new city and career change than to run 26.2 miles across all 5 boroughs while fundraising for a good cause? Queue ‘Welcome to New York,’ please! I love long distance running, and after I finished my first marathon with my Dad in Philadelphia in 2022, I knew I wanted to do it again someday. It’s time for me to join in on our family goal of a 3:30 marathon time (currently a 25-year-old work in progress)! Crossing the finish line of the Philadelphia Marathon holding hands with my Dad, 11 minutes under my goal time, was one of the best moments of my life. I can’t think of a better place to work towards my goal and share such electric and empowering experience with my Dad than in the City of Dreams!

Additionally, my new job in public health inspired me to run for charity and give back to my new community. I am in the process of transitioning from lab research to public health, and one of the main reasons for this transition is that I want to make a tangible impact on health equity. I have learned about so many ground-breaking, life-saving treatments in my time in immunology research, and in my job search and my choice of a fundraiser, I knew I wanted to contribute to making healthcare more equitable and ensuring that everyone has access to the amazing healthcare developments I was learning about at work.

My third reason is my trip to Sub-Saharan Africa with my family last year. We had an amazing guide in Tanzania who taught us a lot about their wildlife, culture, and politics. His hospitality inspired me to give back to his community. Shoe4Africa’s Children’s Cancer hospital in Kenya will provide care to millions of East Africans, including Tanzanians. I am excited to give back to such an amazing place.

Why Should You Support Shoe4Africa?

Currently, 9 out of 10 children diagnosed with cancer in sub-Saharan Africa do not survive. Shoe4Africa is building sub-Saharan Africa’s first Children’s Cancer Hospital in Kenya to address this problem. They have already made a difference in the lives of over 1,000,000 children by building East & Central Africa’s first Public Children’s Hospital. They are dedicated to improving the lives of children in Africa through various initiatives, primarily focusing on healthcare, education, and sports.

I have worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Duke University Medical Center, and I have seen first-hand the critical importance of accessible healthcare and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. I am excited to make a difference in the lives of children who need our help by ensuring they have access to the care they need to survive. By supporting Shoe4Africa, we are not just providing medical treatment; we are investing in the future of these children, giving them a chance for a brighter tomorrow.

Where does your donation go?

100% of your tax-deductible donation will go directly to building the Children’s Cancer Hospital in Kenya. Yes, 100%!!!

Thank you for considering my request and for your support. Please reach out to me with any questions.

Katherine Nowak

katnowak16@gmail.com
224-248-5224