Every year, runners take on the TCS New York City Marathon in support of Darkness to Light. They train for months, invite their communities to give, and carry the mission of child sexual abuse prevention through 26.2 miles.
As this year’s team prepares for race day, we’re looking back at two former runners: Jaimé Lopez and Brandi Andersen. Their stories remind us that a marathon can spark conversations far beyond the race itself. A donation supports prevention education. A shared story can help someone learn about the mission. And each conversation can encourage another adult to become a safe adult for children.
Jaimé Lopez: “This journey was much bigger than just me.”
When Jaimé was invited to run the NYC Marathon for Darkness to Light, he took a leap of faith. Fundraising initially felt intimidating, but his community’s support quickly changed that.
“What inspired me throughout the process was knowing that this journey was much bigger than just me, and for so many people to show their support by contributing to the fundraising campaign filled my heart with joy.”
Jaimé thanked each donor on social media, treating every gift as something worth celebrating. The shout-outs brought more people into the effort, and he reached his fundraising goal in less than two weeks. Then came the training: months of fitting runs around work, family, and relationships.
On race day, the sound of the crowds stayed with him. He remembers the roar as runners entered Brooklyn, the quiet of footsteps on the Queensboro Bridge, and the emotion of approaching the finish in Central Park. Running for Darkness to Light gave those miles a personal meaning.
“As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and running on behalf of Darkness to Light, it has been the most meaningful experience in my running journey.”
Jaimé hopes the people who hear his story will explore Darkness to Light’s resources and “be the safe people that kids need.” For this year’s runners, he offers encouragement to enjoy the experience and remember what brought them to the starting line:
“I’ll end by saying, have fun, be outspoken with the fundraising campaign, be proud of what you’re doing, find your why, and allow that to carry you throughout the training and into race day. You are all heroes in my book.”
Brandi Andersen: Bringing her story into the light.
For Brandi, running her first marathon was a way to celebrate turning 50 while supporting a cause close to her heart. After joining Darkness to Light’s board, Brandi learned about its connection to the NYC Marathon. She saw an opportunity to take on a new challenge while introducing more people to the organization’s work.
Running had already played an important role in Brandi’s life, including in her sobriety and mental health. Choosing to run for Darkness to Light also meant choosing to share something personal.
“I said, YES, because as a survivor of sexual abuse, I wanted to put myself and my own personal story out there to give hope to others. I believe there is power in bringing stories into the light.”
Brandi trained for eight months. She tracked her runs, paid attention to nutrition and recovery, and worked toward a fundraising goal of $50,000. Some parts of asking for support were emotionally difficult. Other moments showed her how closely people were following her journey. Two friends gave at the beginning of her campaign, kept track of her progress, and gave again to help her reach her goal.
On race day, Brandi looked forward to seeing her husband and children cheering for her. She also found unexpected support from two pace runners who helped her through nearly the entire course. For the final mile, she slowed down and took in Central Park on her own.
“I studied the trees, the sky line, the sunset. I reflected on the previous 8 months. This was my time, to myself the last mile.”
Brandi met her fundraising goal and helped more people learn about Darkness to Light. Looking back, she also sees the marathon as a time when she learned to care for herself through a demanding challenge. Her advice to this year’s team reflects that lesson:
“Yes, your body is powerful and capable. But don’t neglect your soul, spirit and heart. Listen to your whole body.”
What Darkness to Light NYC Marathon Runners Carry Forward:
Jaimé and Brandi are part of a growing community of Darkness to Light NYC Marathon runners. Together, they show how personal determination can inspire collective action. Each runner brings a different story and reason for participating, but together, they help carry the mission into new communities.
Prevention takes many forms. It happens when adults learn how to create safer environments for children, recognize concerning situations, set boundaries, and take action. It also grows when people share prevention resources with others and make space for conversations that can be difficult to start.
We are grateful to be part of the NYC Marathon and grateful for every runner who has carried this mission through the city. The funds they raise help support Darkness to Light’s work, and the awareness they build helps bring prevention into more communities.
To this year’s team: we’re cheering for you. We hope you feel the support of everyone running beside you and everyone who believes in why you’re running. Every step toward the finish line is another step toward a world where more adults are prepared to protect children and more children can enjoy the childhoods they deserve.
This year, Team Darkness to Light will be represented by five dedicated runners as Darkness to Light returns as an Official Charity Partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. Every dollar they raise supports our evidence-informed prevention training. These resources equip more adults with the knowledge and tools to help prevent child sexual abuse. Meet the 2026 team and support their journey.
