For most people, the summertime yard sale is a way to get a little cash back from a lot of old stuff. If it’s a good day, they may make enough to take the family to a movie, or given the high price of gas these days, fill up the SUV.
But the yard sale Susan Criscuolo held recently in her family’s driveway will serve a more noble purpose. This energetic young woman plans to use her profits to go to San Francisco in October. There, she will participate in the Nike Women’s Marathon to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Criscuolo’s running on behalf of a 14-year-old leukemia survivor named Miranda but needs to raise $4,500 before Sept. 15.
"I’m about half way there," she said.
Criscuolo said she’s been a runner since her days as a student at the Academy of Holy Angels but only got serious about the sport two years ago. She’s working with the Leukemia Society’s Team in Training, or TNT, to prepare for the 26.2-mile run. Criscuolo connected with Team in Training when she and her father, Bob, ran in the Vermont City half marathon this past Memorial Day weekend.
She explained that TNT provides coaching and support to athletes who participate in charity sporting events such as marathons, half marathons, cycling and triathlon events. The net proceeds go toward improving the quality of life for blood cancer patients. Although she has never run a full marathon, Criscuolo believes she will succeed. She trains regularly by running up to 14 miles at a time and said she is encouraged by the support she gets from TNT.
Her younger sister, Sara, is also helping Susan reach her goal. Sara raised money over the Internet by contacting 80 of her friends to ask for contributions. She said many responded to her request. Sara indicated that she’s helping her sister get to San Francisco in part because their uncle, Fred Criscuolo, died from pancreatic cancer last year. Mr. Criscuolo was the mayor of Ridgefield Park from 1980 to 1992.
Their mother, Camille, said she is very proud of both her daughters’ efforts and was not surprised that Criscuolo would become involved in a project like this.
"She was always one to get involved in good causes. She’s a very independent young lady," Camille said.
Camille intimated that charity work runs in the family. She said that her 97-year-old father, Sal, is still actively involved in several New York City based non-profit organizations.
Criscuolo’s fund-raising efforts are not limited to sales of second-hand housewares and used toys. She’s also baked dog biscuits for a charity dog show and actively solicits donations from friends, family and caring strangers.
Her motivation is very basic. "I’m running for a cause. I get to do something really challenging and help a 14-year-old with cancer," she said.
To make a donation, visit http://pages.teamintraining.org/uny/nikesf08/scriscuolo.
