Julianna Caraballo: Running to Give Back
When Julianna Caraballo was growing up in the Bronx, her parents, immigrants from the Dominican Republic, were always giving back to the community. It’s not surprising that Julianna, now 34, has devoted much of her own life to service.
She is an Iraq War veteran who joined Operation Iraqi Freedom right out of high school and has completed two deployments. She ran while in the military and when the pandemic started, she joined Bronx Sole, a running club that’s deeply involved in educating members about the vibrant Bronx community they call home.
Through Bronx Sole, Julianna heard about Mott Haven Fridge, a nonprofit (now known as Grassroots Grocery) that brings fresh produce from the Hunts Point Market to Bronx families in neighborhoods where such items can be hard to find. Julianna knew she wanted to get involved.
"Grassroots Grocery is an organization that cares about those within its community and it’s teaching the youth the true meaning of a good neighbor," Julianna said.
Julianna will run the TCS New York City Marathon – her first marathon – to raise funds for Grassroots Grocery’s efforts to help people in the neighborhood with food insecurity and teach them about good nutrition. Like her parents did for her, she’ll also be setting a good example for her 4-year-old son, Julian, about the importance of giving back.
"I am truly honored to be running the TCS New York City Marathon in Grassroots Grocery's name to bring more awareness and support to the lack of nutritional and affordable food for those less fortunate," she added.
Julianna is part of #TeamInspire at the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon, a diverse group of runners whose stories capture the power of running to change lives.
