Daniel’s Music Foundation is proud to be an Official Charity Partner for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, taking place on Sunday, November 1, 2026. This iconic 26.2-mile journey through all five boroughs is one of the most celebrated races in the world. At this time, all of our charity team entries have been filled. We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming interest and support from our community. If you would like to be considered for our waitlist, please email our Marketing Manager, Vance Padmore, and include your contact information, a brief bio, and why you are interested in running for Daniel’s Music Foundation. Already have guaranteed entry to the marathon but still want to make an impact? You can still run with purpose by fundraising on behalf of Daniel’s Music Foundation. To get involved, please email Vance Padmore. Every mile run and every dollar raised helps us continue our mission of bringing joy, learning, self-expression, and community through music to people with disabilities.
Team DMF Benefits
Aside from making the most of your miles, all DMF team members will receive the following benefits:
A coveted slot in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon.
Complimentary tickets to key DMF events throughout the year.
Training tips and group meet-ups, plus access to one of our Board Members who has completed 80 marathons and counting.
An official Team DMF race day shirt plus a swag bag.
A personalized Team DMF fundraising page.
A copy of the book “Daniel’s Music” written by NY Times best-selling author, Jerome Preisler.
Team DMF Requirements
Reach the individual fundraising minimum of $4,000 by Sunday, October 25th (one week before race day). All runners will be required to sign an agreement committing to reaching the fundraising requirement by the aforementioned deadline.
Be responsive and maintain clear communication around fundraising goals, deadlines and events.
Spread the word about Team DMF through social media, email, or any way that suits you!
Have the experience of a lifetime!
For more information or if you have questions, please contact:
Vance Padmore (212) 289-8912 vance@danielsmusic.org
About Daniel’s Music
In 2006, The Trush Family founded Daniel’s Music to provide access to music primarily for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities creating a safe space where every member is recognized as an individual, not defined by their disability. Today, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, DMF is helping to build a more equitable future for people with disabilities through music with high-profile events like - The Danny Awards®, presentations about differences, and our non-traditional record label - Just Call Me By My Name®. We are also continuing to diminish isolation with free in-person and online music programs nationally. To learn more about the Trush Family’s journey and why they started Daniel’s Music, please view. Daniel and Ken’s TEDxBroadway Talk.
Meet Daniel
Daniel is a Co-Founder and the President of DMF. He is a singer/songwriter, assistant music instructor, and the inspiration for Daniel’s Music Foundation. Daniel serves as the life force that drives DMF and is an ambassador for the mission— a living example of acceptance, kindness, and joy.
In 1997, at the age of 12, one of five aneurysms burst inside his brain. His doctors did not expect him to survive, but he proved them wrong. Music in various forms played a critical role in every phase of his recovery. Since our foundation’s inception, we have used music as a tool to connect, educate, and inspire individuals with disabilities who oftentimes experience social isolation in various facets of their lives.
The New York City Marathon is especially meaningful to Daniel and the Trush Family. After his injury and being in a wheelchair for two years, Daniel was so determined to walk again, that he started by pushing his wheelchair in Central Park for one lamp post alternating with his father pushing him in his wheelchair for one lamp post. He worked at it so diligently that in 2007, ten years after his brain aneurysm ruptured, Daniel completed the NYC Marathon— all 26.2 miles! It took him 7:46:12, but he finished!
