STRENGTHENING the global effort to CURE neuromuscular disease

News Express

Five Runners, One Cause: Racing for a Cure

Jun 2, 2025, 13:33 by Maggie Schmidt (Admin)

Meet the five runners joining together as the 2025 American Neuromuscular Foundation Charity Team, lacing up their shoes to take on the iconic TCS New York City Marathon in an effort to raise awareness and funds for neuromuscular disease research and education.

Nov. 2, 2025, five runners will join together as the American Neuromuscular Foundation Charity Team, lacing up their shoes to take on the iconic TCS New York City Marathon. They’re not just chasing finish lines or best run times—they’re racing to raise awareness and funds for neuromuscular research and education. They’ll use their dedication, compassion, and incredible endurance while uniting their passion for health and their love of running to support a cause that touches countless lives.

MEET THE TEAM

Carolina Garcia-Santibanez, MD

Dr. Garcia-Santibanez is a neurologist at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. She has run multiple half marathons and is looking forward completing her first marathon this year at the TCS New York City Marathon. She is running to raise awareness of NM disorders in honor of her patients, and to make meaningful use of the physical ability that many take for granted and that her patients often don’t have.

Eleanor Thomas, MD, PhD

Dr. Thomas is a neurologist at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. She completed the 2024 Invesco Thanksgiving Half Marathon and the 2025 Publix Half Marathon with the Atlanta Track Club. She is participating in the TCS New York City Marathon as a member of the ANF Charity Team in recognition of her friends and patients who suffer from neuromuscular diseases.

Follow on Social: @eleanorvthomas

Katie Carney, MS, RN

Ms. Carney is an experienced marathoner with 9 races behind her and her 10th coming up soon. She’s excited to join the ANF Charity Team for the NYC Marathon and to run with purpose, heart, and a deep commitment to a cause bigger than herself.

Follow on Social: @katie.carneyrn

Samantha Kegel, MD

Dr. Kegel ran the 2022 Marine Corps Marathon, three half marathons, and countless shorter races. As a resident physician at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, she has seen the impact NM diseases can have on patients and their families. She looks forward to partnering with the ANF Charity Team to raise awareness and funds to ultimately improve patients’ lives.

Follow on Social:

Instagram: @samikwilson @samisprints

Facebook: Sami Kegel Wilson

TikTok: samisprints

Peyton Gaumer, DO

Dr. Gaumer treats patients with NM disorders as a PM&R physician at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, and is a captain in the United States Army. He was in the top 50 at the USA Triathlon Nationals in 2021, ran the Des Moines Marathon, completed the Ironman 70.3 in Cleveland, and has run several half marathons. He believes running the New York City Marathon for the ANF is about more than just completing 26.2 miles—it’s about resilience, perseverance, and making a meaningful impact.

Follow on Social:

Facebook and Strava: Peyton Gaumer

Support these dedicated runners and the mission—donate today and follow their journey on social media.