Ronkonkoma Man Runs to Raise Funds for Veterans
Ross Titza to run Long Island Half Marathon on May 2nd in honor of his brother
and to benefit 9-1-1 Veterans

Ronkonkoma resident Ross Titza will run the 2010 RXR/TIAA-CREF Long Island Half Marathon on May 2, 2010 in honor of his brother - a disabled veteran – and will raise funds for 9-1-1 Veterans, a Shoreham-based nonprofit. Titza will run 13.1 miles and cap it all off by completing 1,000 push-ups. His goal is raise $20,000 to support Long Island’s veterans and their families in need of emergency financial assistance.

Titza is a personal trainer and certified holistic health coach at Equinox Fitness Club in Woodbury, where his passion for health and fitness is unmatched. He also co-founded Next Fitness Evolution – a health and wellness company focused on advancing health and wellness, while simultaneously smashing exercise myths and countering deceptive fitness advertising. Titza’s father and brother were both Marines and his father served in Vietnam. His brother – now 35 - suffered a massive stroke three years ago and is still recovering. Like most families, Titza’s brother isn’t poor enough to qualify for Medicaid, yet not rich enough to finance his own care. He served his country well, made significant personal sacrifices, yet struggles to access the rehabilitative services that will help him reclaim his life and ability to function independently. “We owe our veterans more and I’m stepping up to raise funds for a great organization,” says Titza. “It’s the least I can do for my brother and for the thousands of other veterans out there who are facing unexpected circumstances could use a helping hand. I hope others will agree and support my quest to pay a debt of gratitude.”

9-1-1 Veterans is dedicated to providing financial support to Long Island's veterans and their families. To date, the group has distributed more than $150,000 to help Long Island's active and retired service men and women. Since its incorporation in 2007, 9-1-1 Veterans has helped veterans with rent and mortgage payments, food and clothing, utility payments, vehicle repairs and car payments, prescription drugs and medical co-payments, airline tickets, and a variety of other needs. The group welcomes Titza’s support. “Requests for help from Long Island’s veterans outpace our current resources and we are fortunate that Ross has taken on this challenge,“ said 9-1-1 Veterans President Steve Clark, a Suffolk County police officer and Navy veteran himself.

Multiple sponsorship opportunities area available and contributions of any amount are welcomed. All donations are fully tax-deductible and 100% of funds raised will provide direct financial assistance to veterans and their families. For more information or to make an online donation, visit http://www.newevolutionfitness.com or http://www.911Veterans.com.