Jessica Romano wanted to get more active and so she decided to join the Mount Sinai gym with a co-worker. That is when she saw the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon ads.

“I thought it was a great idea and a goal to work towards,” she said, of her decision to participate in the 5k option.

Romano works in the Microbiology Clinical Laboratory and she is looking for others in her department to join her marathon team, the Little Buggers. And with a goal of raising $1,000 for Mount Sinai, the Little Buggers are well on their way.

“We are getting a great response from people who will sign up with us or support us. We’ve currently raised just over $400.”

Romano knows that there are a plethora of reasons to take part in the marathon, not only charitable ones but personal ones as well.

“On a personal level, it is encouraging me to stay fit. As I am doing this with the department I work for, I feel it’s a great team building experience and a wonderful way to get co-workers together out of work and have fun. The fundraising itself is very beneficial to the Hospital. It’s a great way to raise money and awareness for Mount Sinai as well as to fundraise for smaller areas in the Hospital such as the labs or certain smaller clinics that may not be as well known to the public eye,” she said.

To register for a run or walk, visit the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon website — and remember to sign up for the Charity Challenge when registering.

To sponsor a Mount Sinai participant or team, visit the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge web page, and click on Sponsor an Individual or Sponsor a Team. Select “Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation” from the list of charities and click on “Search”. You will then see a list of individuals or team names. Select one and go to their personalized page to make your donation.