A South Jersey firefighter is preparing for the longest run of his life just days before the nation marks its 250th birthday.<\/p>\n
Chris Fantazzia, a professional firefighter in Margate, plans to run 70 miles on Wednesday, July 1 from Independence Hall in Philadelphia to Lucy the Elephant in Margate. <\/p>\n
He hopes to complete the run in 12 to 14 hours while raising $25,000 for the neurosurgery program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
The challenge will be unlike anything he’s tackled before. Fantazzia said his longest run to date is 30 miles, despite completing both a marathon and an Ironman over the past year.<\/p>\n
“This will be we’re going 40 miles past,” he said.<\/p>\n
The fundraiser also has a deeply personal meaning. Fantazzia dedicated the run to his mother, Kim, who will celebrate her 63rd birthday on July 4. She learned about the tribute through a Facebook announcement video.<\/p>\n
“To me that’s one of the greatest gifts that a mom could receive,” Kim Fantazzia said.<\/p>\n
Fantazzia said honoring his mother felt natural because of her lifelong generosity.<\/p>\n
“She’s always giving. Our whole life she’s always been the first person to put her hand out,” he said.<\/p>\n
Choosing to support CHOP was also personal. Fantazzia said his 5-year-old cousin, Rosie, has a rare chromosomal disorder and has received extensive treatment at the hospital.<\/p>\n
“It’s close to home, not only having my own daughter but a family that is there,” Fantazzia said.<\/p>\n