MUSTANG SUMMER STRIDES: Emily Finnessy to Run NYC Marathon for Breast Cancer Awareness

By July 21, 2026

Stevenson University Mustangs: Emily Finnessy to Run NYC Marathon for Breast Cancer Awareness

Stevenson University Athletic Trainer Emily Finnessy will run the 2026 New York City Marathon this November, dedicating her effort to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer through the Young Survival Coalition.

Emily Finnessy’s Commitment to a Personal Cause

Emily Finnessy, who serves as the athletic trainer for the Stevenson University Mustangs, has committed her upcoming marathon run to support the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), an organization devoted to young adults affected by breast cancer. Finnessy’s motivation stems from a close personal connection: her aunts, Peg and Shelly, who are breast cancer survivors, and the memory of her cousin, Ashlee Malonowski, who lost her battle with breast cancer in May 2025 at the age of 35. Ashlee is survived by her husband and three young children. This loss highlights the unique challenges that young adults face when balancing the demands of cancer treatment alongside careers, parenting, and daily life.

“I am running to help raise funds for YSC’s mission, to celebrate my aunts (Peg and Shelly) who have survived breast cancer, and in memory of my cousin Ashlee Malonowski,” Finnessy said. “Her experience showcases how uniquely challenging breast cancer can be for young adults – balancing treatment with careers, parenting, and everyday life.”

Young Survival Coalition: Supporting Young Adults with Breast Cancer

The Young Survival Coalition is a national nonprofit organization focused exclusively on the critical issues unique to young women affected by breast cancer. Founded in 1998, YSC provides education, peer support, advocacy, and funding for research to improve the lives and outcomes for young adult patients. According to the organization, approximately 13,000 women under age 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer annually in the United States, and many face significant gaps in services tailored to their age group.

Finnessy’s efforts to fundraise through her marathon run will directly benefit YSC’s various programs, which range from patient navigation to support groups and awareness campaigns that promote early detection and tailored treatment options.

About the New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon, organized by New York Road Runners, is one of the world’s most prestigious and largest marathons, spanning 26.2 miles through all five boroughs of New York City. Scheduled for November 2026, the event draws tens of thousands of runners worldwide who compete as individuals or on behalf of charities. It offers an impactful platform for athletes, like Finnessy, who wish to combine their athletic challenge with philanthropic causes.

Finnessy’s preparation spans the summer months leading up to the race, involving rigorous training regimens common to long-distance runners aiming to compete at such a high-level endurance event.

Stevenson University Athletics and Community Involvement

Stevenson University, located in Stevenson, Maryland, fields the Mustangs in NCAA Division III athletics. The program emphasizes both athletic excellence and community involvement. Finnessy’s role as an athletic trainer includes supporting the health and performance of Mustangs student-athletes across sports, while her marathon fundraising effort reflects the program’s broader commitment to social impact beyond campus borders.

Stevenson’s athletics department, led by Director of Athletics Fran Tarasio and a dedicated coaching staff, supports initiatives that encourage student-athletes and staff to engage with meaningful causes. Finnessy’s endeavor is likely to inspire the Mustangs community and fans across Maryland.

MSB Analysis: The Significance of Finnessy’s Marathon Run

Emily Finnessy’s decision to run the NYC Marathon while raising awareness for breast cancer reflects a commendable intersection of sports, personal passion, and community advocacy. This effort spotlights the challenges young adults face with breast cancer—a demographic often overlooked in broader awareness campaigns. Finnessy’s story personalizes the statistics, reminding Maryland sports fans there are real lives affected beyond the athletic arenas.

Her participation will not only raise crucial funds for the Young Survival Coalition but also enhance visibility for the cause within the Maryland community. As an athletic trainer, Finnessy understands the physical demands of training and competition, which adds a layer of dedication to her fundraising mission. Such initiatives by university staff underscore the ways collegiate sports programs contribute far beyond wins and losses, highlighting social responsibility and supporting life-changing causes.

Maryland Sports Blog Take

Stevenson University Mustangs’ athletic trainer Emily Finnessy exemplifies dedication both on and off the track as she prepares to run the 2026 New York City Marathon to benefit the Young Survival Coalition. Her motivation is deeply rooted in family experience, and her fundraising effort brings essential attention to a pressing health issue impacting young adults. Maryland sports enthusiasts can watch Finnessy’s journey as a powerful reminder of the connections between athletic discipline and community impact.

Maryland Sports Blog applauds Finnessy for using her platform to honor her family and support many others facing breast cancer challenges. Her summer training symbolizes more than physical endurance; it reflects hope, remembrance, and the ongoing fight against breast cancer.

Read the official announcement from Stevenson University Athletics

For more on Stevenson University Mustangs Athletics, visit Maryland Sports Blog’s Stevenson Mustangs coverage.

Explore Young Survival Coalition’s mission and programs at youngsurvival.org.

Learn more about the 2026 New York City Marathon on the New York Road Runners official site.