By Matthew Avitabile
COBLESKILL — Marathon for a Better Life is entering into its 30th year as a major support for residents of Schoharie County. Board member Bruce Tryon was proud of what the group has done for those in need.
As the organization has grown and shown success, the need has grown as well. He said that there is a continual need for support for those with cancer.
Tryon said that “what is unique” is that the group is only able to help those within the county with various needs.
Tryon has served on the board for 9 of the group’s 30 years and noted the particular honor that the board members treat families in need.
At the beginning of each board member, Treasurer Kim Law reads the list of recipients Marathon has helped. There is also a moment of silence for those who have passed.
“It’s touching for that to happen,” said Tryon. “The feeling that you get is amazing.”
The scope of Marathon is “truly remarkable,” he said. There are an amazing number of people and support and dollars that contribute to the organization.
“That’s huge,” he said.
“Whatever we can do to help. That’s what we’re there for,” he said.
For those in need of assistance, the group is there to help with financial assistance for clients directly. This money is often used for anything, including mileage and utility bills.
Those with questions are welcome to see more about the organization’s scope, to contribute, or volunteer at https://www.marathonforabetterlife.org/, email marathonforabetterlife@gmail.com or call 518 291-9238.
“Call us,” he said, “ask us questions.”
Those who reach out to the group are “strictly anonymous.” Only board members are aware of those who receive help. Marathon holds a strict privacy policy, he said.
It’s a “very simple process,” Tryon said.
There is a double-edged sword as the group has grown, he said. As more is accomplished, need has also increased.
The goal for this year’s fiscal year which ends in June 2026 is to raise $300,000. There has been an uptick in the number of requests, said Tryon.
“We’re as an organization coming up with new and different ways” to raise money, he said. This includes sponsorships from individuals and companies. He describes those who help as “very generous.” The group is also considering a number of fundraisers, including a summer car show, a breakfast, and perhaps returning the popular basket raffle. Tryon cited the support of local businesses such as Chieftans, Locomotions, and the Bull’s Head. All partnerships are welcome.
Tryon described attending an event at Foothills Performing Arts in Oneonta for Helios Care (former Hospice) and hoped to be able to have similar performances. He cited the constant support of SUNY Cobleskill, including its president, Dr. Marion Terenzio. Tryon described her as a “true friend of Marathon.”
When asked to be the opening speaker at this year’s June event, Dr. Terenzio did so “without hesitancy.”
The organization is raffling off a beautiful blue playhouse made by an undisclosed donor, who Tryon describes as a “definite friend of Marathon” and “pretty well-known” in the area.
The “detail on it is phenomenal,” said Tryon.
Tickets are one for $30 or two for $50 with the drawing to be held on Dec. 3. The winner doesn’t need to be present to win and can be delivered for free within Schoharie County or for a nominal fee outside of the county. For more information or to enter the raffle, use the QR code in the article, contact a team captain or Marathon Board Member, or online.
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