Olympian Gabrielle (“Gabby”) Thomas is the Grand Marshal for the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon. Thomas has a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology and volunteers in public health clinics. Team FPHNYC is thrilled to have a public health champion as this year’s Grand Marshal and has written an open letter to Thomas.
Dear Gabby,
We are a team of runners in the TCS New York City Marathon representing the Fund for Public Health NYC and we are thrilled that you will be the Grand Marshall for the November 3rd race!
Not only are we inspired by your achievements on the track as a five-time Olympic medalist, but we also laude your efforts to address health disparities as well as your advocacy for greater diversity in STEM fields. Having attained a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and working with the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic in Austin, you have brought much-needed attention to expanding access to affordable medical care and related social determinants of health such as access to healthy foods.
We applaud New York Road Runners for asking you to be Grand Marshall of this year’s TCS New York City Marathon and for their initiatives that provide free and inclusive running experiences to improve the health of New Yorkers. The Fund for Public Health NYC and many of the other Official Charity Partners in the November 3 race are working to realize a world where all people equitably share in a culture supportive of healthy living and enjoy optimal health. This year our team is running to raise awareness of and support for the maternal health services the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provides to thousands of New Yorkers. Of particular importance are pilot programs designed to reduce pregnancy-associated death among Black women and birthing people.
Gabby, thank you for inspiring so many people through your passion for running and commitment to public health. With you as Grand Marshal, we are more excited than ever to be a part of this year’s TCS New York City Marathon!
Sincerely,
Team FPHNYC
Alexa, Allie, Brigit, Ciara, Francesco, Jay, Jackie, Megan, Ryan, Sebastian, Shannon,
and Sara Gardner, CEO, Fund for Public Health NYC