ABOUT
The Run To Breakthrough
OUR STORY
The Run To Breakthrough Inc. was born from a vision of an inclusive world.
Families throughout the community are told by doctors and other health professionals that they or their child “will never walk or talk”. They are told, “Your child will not make it through the night”, “your child will not have any quality of life”, and “they’ll never be able to …”.
Families within this community are thrown a set of challenges they don’t get to choose. They face adversity every single day; worrying about medical procedures, medication changes, disruptions in services, advocating for their child’s rights/being their child’s voice, long hospital stays… the list can go on and on.
These families define resilience; They break barriers; They prove limiting beliefs wrong each and every day.
In light of highlighting the very resilience they demonstrate each and every day, the very first Run to Breakthrough was held on September 4, 2021. The community gathered and completed an 85-mile journey across Long Island to not only feel the freedom and independence those wheels could provide while running, but that saying “I could/you could never” – is only a limit if you decide to allow it to be.
On September 9-10, 2023, resilience was tested once again with a 100-mile journey across Long Island. Our athletes once again got the feeling of no limits, no restrictions, and a completely inclusive environment.
These families face challenges that feel heavy. And despite the heaviness they choose hope. Despite facing immense pain and grief, they choose hope and belief. And in pushing beyond immense pain, loneliness, and fatigue, you change your wiring. You find pockets of depth you may have never discovered if you didn’t seek them.
The sport of running demonstrates just that and it is a way to spread that message together.
This community demonstrates that challenges help us find the very best versions of ourselves; They are what help us stay present, and grateful, and remind us to continue to believe.
In continuing to believe and through the act of never giving up, no matter what you endure… the “impossible” becomes quite possible… and you can demonstrate just how resilience really works.
Our Mission
Our mission at The Run To Breakthrough is rooted in a commitment to creating an inclusive world. We are dedicated to organizing inclusive racing and community events that empower individuals with all levels of ability.
Through our events, we strive to provide a platform where families and individuals with disabilities can come together, not only to participate but to thrive. We believe in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to experience the joy of running and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. It is a way to spread the message of resilience together.
In addition to our races and events, we provide resources and support to families navigating the challenges of disability. Whether it’s access to necessary equipment, guidance on navigating programs, or simply a “village of those who get it”, we are committed to being a source of assistance and empowerment through education and connection to resources.
Our goal is to foster a community where every individual feels valued, included, and empowered to reach beyond the limits they were told or believed themselves. By promoting inclusion and providing support every step of the way, we aim to create a world where every achievement is celebrated.
Our Vision & How We’ll Make A Difference
At The Run To Breakthrough, our vision is to broaden the scope of inclusive races, extending from ultras to 5ks. Recognizing that community is everything and ‘it takes a village’, we are committed to organizing community events that unite families, providing a platform to share resources, stories, and support.
In line with our vision, we will establish a grant program to provide financial assistance to families. These grants will enable families to access necessary equipment, services, and programs to enhance the overall quality of life for the entire family.
Through these initiatives, we aspire to foster a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and support, where every individual feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive…
…because inclusion isn’t just beneficial for the individuals with a disability or their families…
It benefits everyone.
MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS
Christine Astarita
President
Christine is the owner and founder of Breakthrough Intensive PT, an organization focused on helping kids and adults with disabilities, as well as their families, to improve the quality of their lives. She is also an endurance athlete, using her mission at Breakthrough to fuel the purpose behind her ultra runs and raise awareness that limits are only where we place them. Christine is the author of Breaking Through Special Needs and children’s book, Chance the Therapy Dog: Goes To Work promoting inclusion and resources for those in need. In her spare time, she is an adventurer at heart – always chasing the next mountain range!
Rachelle Travis
Secretary
Before I was Juliette’s mom, I was just Rachelle, mom to Mark, a wife, a middle school science teacher, and an avid cyclist and wanna-be runner. For a large part of the time, my athletics were linked to fundraising. And for a while, at my school, I was the unofficial events coordinator, which included partnering with community organizations.
Sometime after Juliette was born with Joubert Syndrome and LCA, running became a part of my mental health plan alongside cycling. I also continued to fundraise for organizations that had helped my family by participating in cycling and running events.
We began to bring Juliette to Breakthrough for therapy during the summer of the first Run to Breakthrough and I was intrigued by the idea of running with Juliette. Encouraged by both Christine and another athlete who runs with an individual with disabilities, I was able to find an organization that helped fund a Benecycl running stroller for us. In the Summer of 2023, we joined Team Achilles Kids and did lots of summertime runs together, as well as the Thanksgiving Prospect Park Turkey Trot.
I’m so excited to work with Christine and the rest of the board. I bring my fundraising expertise, my love of running with Juliette, and my love of organizing events. And most of all my passion for advocating for Juliette and other individuals with disabilities.
Sofia Christakis
Treasurer
Sofia Kokkoris-Christakis has been an educator for 14 years. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and General Education and a minor in Biology from St. John’s University. In addition, she has a Masters in School Building Leadership from St. Johns University and a second Masters in Behavioral Therapy from Hunter College. She has worked in District 75, the Special Education district of NYC, for ten years, teaching different class ratios. As an educator in the Department of Education, Sofia noticed a lack of inclusive opportunities for her students. She noticed that parents did not have many options when it came to their neurodiverse or medically complex children. Inspired as a mom of two and a New York native, Sofia brainstormed ideas to create more inclusive opportunities for her students. During those brainstorming sessions, Puzzles was born. Puzzles has now been around for almost 4 years. Sofia joined The Run to Breakthrough as Treasurer in 2025. As a pioneer for inclusion The Run to Breakthrough spoke volumes. She is so excited to join forces with an incredible team and is looking forward to the massive impact of inclusion!
Irene Dashiell
Board Member
Anthony DiChiara
Board Member
Anthony serves as the Corporate Safety Manager for H2M architects and engineers. Prior to this role, Anthony worked at SUNY Old Westbury for a year as their campus fire safety coordinator, 3-years as a Fire Inspector/Code Enforcement Official for the Town of Oyster Bay, and spent 14 years working in Higher Education/College Administration in various roles at a number of colleges. Anthony also comes from a family of first responders and has served as a volunteer firefighter since March 2010. Most importantly, Anthony is a girl dad to his two amazing daughters, Penelope and Bianca.
Penelope started at Breakthrough in March of 2021 and has made amazing progress over the last three years. Penelope was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder known as Emanuel Syndrome. Penelope loves her team at Breakthrough, rocking out to Taylor Swift as they work. Anthony and his wife Melissa are so appreciative of work the of Christine and her staff for all they have done for Penelope and for treating our family like their own.
One of the most difficult issues that the DiChiara family has to deal with is the lack of appropriate after-school care options for children with disabilities, like Penelope. Inspired by both of Christine’s runs, Anthony felt the need to do something drastic. In early March 2024, Anthony completed a 100-mile walk while wearing fire department bunker gear in an attempt to raise awareness for the lack of programs and urge those elected officials with the resources and influence to create these much-needed programs.
Anthony and the rest of the DiChiara family are excited to work with Christine and the other members of the Run to Breakthrough Board to continue to raise awareness of the challenges faced by families like theirs. Anthony hopes that his passion will influence others to support the mission of RTB through donations and awareness.
Daina Melton
Board Member
Daina Melton is a passionate advocate for the special needs community and has served on her local SEPTA board for over a decade, currently serving as the Vice President. With a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from LIU, she has worked in both public schools and private practice. As a mother to two daughters, including Charlotte, who has special needs, Daina understands the challenges families face and is committed to creating inclusive opportunities. She lives in Manorville, NY, with her husband Charles, their daughters, and their energetic black Lab, Milo. Although her day to day looks different than most, and sometimes the ordinary things are difficult, she never lets it stop her from living the best way possible to provide every opportunity for her daughter and for her family. Daina is excited to bring her experience and dedication to The Run To Breakthrough, and is eager to join in an inclusive mission, helping to make a lasting impact on the community.
Serving
The Long Island Community