Friends of TJ 5K Fun Run

On the eve of race day, as final preparations come together, we wanted to share Maura’s reflections on the race — and on the impact and meaning it holds. ☘️💕

❤️ It's hard to put into words what the race has meant to me. To me, It is a symbol of friendship, love and human connection. The race embodies who TJ was. Two years ago, we had 700 runners that were all somehow intertwined and connected through TJ.. Many of them dressed up as characters that TJ played at one time or another, whether on a stage at Dad's Night or in a late-night bar.

Our race course volunteers are all friends or family members. Our family, St. Elizabeth’s Church and School community and friends from all chapters of TJ's life ran alongside us at the race and continue to support us everyday. All the money raised at the race goes to 3 wonderful and deserving charities, all of which TJ loved and supported. To our generous sponsors-where can I begin to thank you? Your support and generosity have a tremendous impact on so many.

I love watching Kayla, Tommy, Erin and Shannon get excited about the race; how many runners we have registered and how much money has been raised. The kids love spotting all the race signs around town. They have enjoyed making videos, writing posts and promoting the race among their peers.

The race has given us purpose through our grief, it has enabled us to carry on TJ's legacy of generosity and compassion and it is an opportunity to be together honoring TJs memory in a meaningful way.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. ❤️

We can't wait to see you in the morning! ☘️

The sun will be shining and our hearts will be full as we come together for our 2nd Friends of TJ 5K on Sunday! Please join us! ☀️❤️

This day means so much to so many and sweet Shannon shares below what the first race meant to her and her family. 💕

☘️Two years ago we had the first Friends of TJ 5k Race. It was the 1 year anniversary of my dad’s passing. It took lots of planning, but we all knew that our dad would be so proud that we were celebrating his amazing life.

When I got to Eisenhower Middle School that morning, where the race was held, I couldn’t believe how many people were there to support our family. Each and every one loved my dad so much. I remember being so happy that day seeing all the laughs, smiles and stories told about my dad. There were people there from all different parts of his life, such as, the shore, high-school, college, work, St. Elizabeth,s and so much more. It meant so much to our family and friends. I can’t wait to see everyone again this Sunday!☘️

https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Wyckoff/FriendsofTJFunRun

The sun will be shining and our hearts will be full as we come together for our 2nd Friends of TJ 5K on Sunday! Please join us! ☀️❤️

This day means so much to so many and sweet Shannon shares below what the first race meant to her and her family. 💕

☘️Two years ago we had the first Friends of TJ 5k Race. It was the 1 year anniversary of my dad's passing. It took lots of planning, but we all knew that our dad would be so proud that we were celebrating his amazing life.

When I got to Eisenhower Middle School that morning, where the race was held, I couldn’t believe how many people were there to support our family. Each and every one loved my dad so much. I remember being so happy that day seeing all the laughs, smiles and stories told about my dad. There were people there from all different parts of his life, such as, the shore, high-school, college, work, St. Elizabeth,s and so much more. It meant so much to our family and friends. I can't wait to see everyone again this Sunday!☘️

https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Wyckoff/FriendsofTJFunRun

Four days until Race day. Four days until we come together in a meaningful way to remember and honor our beloved TJ. Four days until we hug one another, share a laugh and perhaps some tears. Most importantly, four days until we surround and lift up the entire Sullivan family with our love and support. ❤️

Below, Erin shares what the first race meant to her and her excitement for Sunday. We would also be remiss if we did not take a moment to recognize Erin and Shannon’s excellent interviewing skills, grace and poise as we met with and interviewed the race beneficiaries. Good Morning America and The Today Show.....we have found your future morning show hosts! ☀️

☘️❤️ The race two years ago made me feel happy. Seeing all the people that my dad loved and cared about, and even people who didn’t really know him, show up for him and my family meant so much to me. It was such a fun event to celebrate him and all the foundations that were near and dear to him.

The race was happy and joyous, not a sad way to honor his memory. Seeing everyone come together is the only thing he would want. No matter what - he showed up for everyone. Seeing others do that for him puts a smile on my family and my face.

To be able to do the race again this year is so exciting. I know my dad will be with us throughout the entire day, right beside all the people he loved. I can only imagine the costume he will be wearing! ☘️❤️

Four days until Race day. Four days until we come together in a meaningful way to remember and honor our beloved TJ. Four days until we hug one another, share a laugh and perhaps some tears. Most importantly, four days until we surround and lift up the entire Sullivan family with our love and support. ❤️

Below, Erin shares what the first race meant to her and her excitement for Sunday. We would also be remiss if we did not take a moment to recognize Erin and Shannon's excellent interviewing skills, grace and poise as we met with and interviewed the race beneficiaries. Good Morning America and The Today Show.....we have found your future morning show hosts! ☀️

☘️❤️ The race two years ago made me feel happy. Seeing all the people that my dad loved and cared about, and even people who didn’t really know him, show up for him and my family meant so much to me. It was such a fun event to celebrate him and all the foundations that were near and dear to him.

The race was happy and joyous, not a sad way to honor his memory. Seeing everyone come together is the only thing he would want. No matter what - he showed up for everyone. Seeing others do that for him puts a smile on my family and my face.

To be able to do the race again this year is so exciting. I know my dad will be with us throughout the entire day, right beside all the people he loved. I can only imagine the costume he will be wearing! ☘️❤️

As race day rapidly approaches, we want to share with you the immeasurable impact your support and presence has made on the Sullivan family.

Below, Tommy shares his thoughts on how meaningful and powerful the race was for him and how he looks forward to this Sunday! We (and Tommy) can’t wait to see you!

The race made me feel overwhelmed with happiness. The best part of the race was being able to see people from every part of my Dad’s life. I really enjoyed people coming up to me and telling stories about my Dad that I haven’t heard before and others coming up and sharing a laugh about a story we’ve told a thousand times.

The race brought me a sense of community and support that really helped through a tough time.
Another great thing I love about the race is that we get to support the charities that were so important to my Dad. Being able to help the causes that were so near and dear to his heart is such a blessing.

I look forward to the race more and more every day because of how much joy it brings to our family and the charities it supports.

As race day rapidly approaches, we want to share with you the immeasurable impact your support and presence has made on the Sullivan family.

Below, Tommy shares his thoughts on how meaningful and powerful the race was for him and how he looks forward to this Sunday! We (and Tommy) can't wait to see you!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️❤️

☘️The race made me feel overwhelmed with happiness. As I talked about in Father Stephen’s video, the best part of the race was being able to see people from every part of my Dad’s life. I really enjoyed people coming up to me and telling stories about my Dad that I haven’t heard before and others coming up and sharing a laugh about a story we’ve told a thousand times.

The race brought me a sense of community and support that really helped through a tough time.
Another great thing I love about the race is that we get to support the charities that were so important to my Dad. Being able to help the causes that were so near and dear to his heart is such a blessing.

I look forward to the race more and more every day because of how much joy it brings to our family and the charities it supports.☘️

🌺 Mother’s Day is a celebration of unconditional love, unwavering strength, and the incredible women who hold families together through life’s greatest joys and deepest heartbreaks. Today, tomorrow and beyond we honor Maura — a devoted mother whose resilience and grace continue to inspire everyone around her.

Nearly three years after the heartbreaking loss of TJ, Maura has shown what true strength looks like. Through unimaginable loss, she has remained the steady foundation for her four children, leading with compassion and endless love. Every day, she carries TJ’s spirit forward by raising their children with the same values and devotion that define their family.

Her love for her children shines in everything she does. Maura has taught her children that strength is not the absence of pain, but the ability to keep moving forward with love in your heart.

On this Mother’s Day, we celebrate not only the incredible mother she is, but the example she sets for her children and everyone fortunate enough to know her.

TJ’s love lives on through the beautiful family they built together, and through Maura’s unwavering dedication to their four children.

Wishing Maura a Mother’s Day filled with love, cherished memories, and the reminder that her strength and devotion never go unnoticed. 🌺

Race day is May 17, please register today. Link in bio.