While some individuals engage in running primarily for fitness or stress relief, Los Angeles resident Jonathan Sandoval has a deeper motivation: to uplift and motivate others, particularly his son.
“Running allows me to promote various organizations that are doing incredible work for families like ours, as well as those in more challenging situations,” he explains.
Sandoval’s five-year-old son, Robinson, was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a hereditary condition that leads to tumor growth along the nerves.
This rare disorder impacts approximately 1 in 3,000 individuals and can result in learning difficulties and other health issues. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure.
In an effort to support the Children’s Tumor Foundation and raise awareness about NF1, Sandoval completed three prominent marathons in 2022—Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. The upcoming Chicago Marathon this fall will mark his 30th full marathon.
Finding Peace in Motion
Despite disliking running during his youth, the now 41-year-old Sandoval credits running as a lifeline after learning of his mother’s stage 4 kidney cancer.
“People often cope with grief in harmful ways,” he reflects, but he opted for a more constructive route—one that involved the rhythmic pounding of his shoes against the pavement.
“Taking long runs gave me space to reflect,” Sandoval shares. While he also sought therapy, running played a pivotal role in maintaining his mental well-being.
This approach helped him be a source of strength for his mother, wife, and sister, well before the arrival of his children.
After discovering their son’s diagnosis, Sandoval was already participating in races to raise funds for a hospice that provided exceptional support to his mother during her final year, prior to her passing in 2013.
Fundraising with Purpose
Currently, Sandoval primarily competes as a member of the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s NF Endurance Team. This initiative enables individuals to run, bike, or swim in various endurance events, raising both funds and awareness towards finding a cure for NF1 and other forms of neurofibromatosis.
This is just one of many non-profit organizations that utilize athletic events as a medium to support various causes. Some focus on health-related issues, while others address environmental concerns, veteran affairs, or even support local libraries. The spectrum of events ranges from 5K runs to full marathons and 100-mile cycling challenges.
High-profile events often reserve slots for charity runners, resulting in significant contributions. Since its inception in 2002, participants in the Chicago Marathon have collectively generated over $292 million for countless causes.
Most charitable organizations provide training plans, travel tips, and pre-race meals for runners. Sandoval remarks that this assistance “lessened the stress surrounding travel and race day anticipation.”
A Community of Encouragement
Sandoval’s family and closest friends do not share his enthusiasm for running, prompting him to train mostly alone or occasionally join local running groups. His participation in charity events has enabled him to connect with other families navigating similar challenges due to NF.
He maintains a relationship with an organizer from the Children’s Tumor Foundation, exchanging ideas and keeping each other updated about events on the West Coast.
Over the years, “running has fostered a supportive community around me,” he notes.
Additionally, running has strengthened the bond within his family. “We are all involved,” he states, even if not everyone enjoys the activity. “They support me wholeheartedly.”
Last year, his family created blue and green bracelets, representing the colors of the Children’s Tumor Foundation, to send to supporters who contributed financially.
For Sandoval and his family, helping others is a core belief. “It’s crucial for us,” he emphasizes, “and without the assistance from others, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
