Team Hilly 2026 NYC Marathon
This year my brothers and I are running the New York City Marathon again for the Alzheimer's Association. A few years ago our dad was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's at the age of 58. My family like so many others could never imagine this type of news. Our father was a small business owner and gifted athlete with an incredibly generous heart. He helped raised three sons who all went on to become Division 1 athletes. Watching this disease slowly take things from him has been one of the hardest things our family has been through.
Last year, we connected with the Alzheimer's Association and I did not fully know what I was signing up for, for myself, or for my family. What followed changed me.
Partnering with the Alzheimer's Association and fundraising alongside them turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. For the first time, we were able to take the story of my dad's diagnosis, something we had held so closely for so long, and share it with loved ones who had no idea and families who have had similar experiences. For a stretch of time, we did not feel alone in this. That feeling lit something in me I hadn't expected: a real drive to keep going, to fundraise more, and to do everything I can for the families who need support and for the research working toward a cure.
And then there was race day itself.
It was the best day I have had with my dad in a long time. He came out to watch his three sons run the New York City Marathon. Across my chest, I wore his name. Thousands of strangers cheered for him that day, none of them knowing it wasn't my name. I don't think I'll ever forget what it felt like to run through New York City hearing "Let's Go Hilly". There was a pride and a joy in it I still can't quite put into words.
As this disease progresses, the small things get harder. Everyday tasks that once came naturally now take more effort. That reality is part of what brings me back in 2026. I feel a responsibility to him, to our family, and to everyone who supported us last year, to show up again, train harder, and raise even more than we did before.
If you feel moved to support us again, or for the first time, please consider donating. Every dollar goes toward care, support, and research for families living with Alzheimer's. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Thank you to my Donors
$500
Lisa Hilburn
$500
Bob Kiel
$500
Shane Clifford
$350
Suplee Family
Proud of you boys. Keep being great. HILLY TO THE MOON
$250
Jack Ford
$250
Christian Trahan
$250
Matthew Hilburn
$250
Matt Hilburn
$250
Max Mccool
Good luck Matt. Great cause - I will be out there to support live when the time comes
$200
Tim Dion
$200
Timothy Dion
$200
Ty Hranicka
$200
. Schwab Charitable- Daf Giving 360
$200
3
Haul ass
$150
Jason Fox
$150
Jenny Feeney
$150
Trager Family
What an amazing way to honor your father. Can't wait to cheer you on!!
$150
John Chiarolanzio
$120
Carissa Jordan
$110
Michael Silipo
Stay hard!
$100
Anonymous
Good luck team Hilburn!! Matt, don’t go for the 2nd breakfast burrito, bad idea…
$100
Lauren Kaye
go Matt go!!
$100
John Byrnes
$100
Sarah Gustafson
$100
Georgia Sege
$100
Mina Raskin
You boys are the best. I am so proud of you. Best luck on the run. Love ya!
$100
Sara
Run like the wind!
$100
Anonymous
Best of luck my friend!
$100
Joe Gormley
$100
Faith Mitchell-collins
$100
Stephen Salle
$100
Phil Wies
$100
Matt Garber
$100
Tom Sweeney
Best of luck Hil!
$100
Mark Mehok
Way to go Matt!
$100
John Byrnes
$100
Mitch Hyneman
$100
Karin Le
Way to go Matt!
$60
Anonymous
$60
Liam Timmins
$50
Riley Kokoruda
$50
Jack Traynor
Inspiring! Beasts!
$50
Anna Matzinger
$50
Alex
Let's go Team Hilly!!!
$50
Andrew Martin
Go get 'em Hilly!
$50
Timmy Ley
Love you
$50
Shane Burke
$50
Andrew Dorman
$50
Jack Mulcahy
$50
Christa Randazzo
Let’s go Matt! 👏🏼
$50
John Kozinski
$50
Mike Buck
$50
Cam Connolly
$50
Duna Ramos
$50
Hannah Cotel-altman
Go team hilly!!
$35
Connor Mcdonough
$26
John Powers
$26
Fletcher Kaplan-james
$26
Anonymous
$26
Davis Cronin
$26
David Turner
$26
Taylor Leggett
I have family members with Alzheimer’s as well. Good luck on the fundraising and the race!
$25
Liam Mcknight
$25
Jane Widder
Good luck Matt!
$20
Margaret Porta
Go get em Matt!!!
$15
Anonymous
I don’t know you but your story touched my feed and I’m really sorry to hear about what your family is going through. Best of luck to you this fall - train hard and run well. Best wishes and a comfortable journey ahead to your father.
